Remembrance Day in the Skeena Region
SKEENA REGION – Across the vast geography of the Skeena region, a unified and solemn act of remembrance unfolded today, November 11, 2025. Communities from the coastal city of Prince Rupert to the inland towns of Houston and Hazelton gathered to honour the profound courage and lasting sacrifice of Canada’s veterans.
The core of the day’s observance remained the strict adherence to the national ritual: at 11:00 a.m., the sound of the Last Post concluded, giving way to two minutes of absolute silence—marking the exact moment hostilities ceased on the Western Front in 1918.
Coastal Hubs: History and Reconciliation
The ceremonies across the region were anchored by local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion and attended by thousands of residents, civic officials, and youth:
- Prince Rupert: In the historic gateway city, Mayor Herb Pond joined veterans at the cenotaph. The ceremony, organized by Legion Branch #27, upheld a tradition of remembrance rooted in the area’s critical role during the Pacific theatre of the Second World War.
- Terrace: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13 led a formal procession and the solemn reading of the Act of Remembrance, including Laurence Binyon’s famous lines: “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old…”.
- Kitimat: The service, anchored by Legion Branch #250, included an important element of reconciliation. Municipal leadership, including Mayor Phil Germuth, ensured the ceremony acknowledged that the community resides on the unceded territory of the Haisla Nation, honouring the vital contributions of Indigenous veterans.
Inland Tributes: Unity in the Valley
The spirit of remembrance extended east into the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District:
- Houston: The Pleasant Valley Legion Branch #249 ensured the town maintained the sacred tradition, with Mayor Shane Brienen leading the civic tribute.
- Hazelton: Residents and community members gathered at local monuments to observe the two-minute silence, reflecting the deep commitment of these interior communities to honoring service members and their families.
The Enduring Legacy: Youth and Reconciliation
Today’s ceremonies emphasized that the torch of remembrance is being passed to a new generation. With the number of surviving veterans from the First and Second World Wars rapidly dwindling—fewer than 5,000 WWII veterans remain in B.C.—the presence of youth, including cadets and local students, in the parades and as vigil sentries was crucial.
Furthermore, the observances highlighted the ongoing work of reconciliation. The Skeena region, spanning the territories of the Tsimshian, Haisla, and Gitxsan Peoples, placed importance on acknowledging the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis men and women who served with distinction despite facing systemic discrimination upon their return home.
The public was strongly encouraged to continue supporting the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign, as the simple red flower remains the most universal and visible sign of respect and ensures vital welfare services are funded for veterans and their families. Today was a powerful reminder that the commitment to service and sacrifice remains unbroken across Skeena Country.
