Queen Elizabeth II was remembered in ceremonies across the Parksville Qualicum Beach area today (Sept. 19).
A special wreath-laying ceremony was held at 10:45 a.m. at the Parksville Cenotaph, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 49.
Residents gathered to pay tribute to the late monarch and place poppies on a wreath.
Betty Endersby, master of ceremonies, spoke about the life of the queen and her special relationship with Canada — she visited 23 times.
“Throughout her many visits to our country, Queen Elizabeth developed an extensive knowledge of Canada and an appreciation for its diversity,” Endersby said.
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Flags at city facilities have been at half-mast since the queen’s death on Sept. 8, except Saturday, Sept. 10 from sunrise to sunset when the flags were at full-mast to acknowledge the accession of King Charles III to the Monarch. The flags will be raised to full mast at sunset on Sept. 19.
Members of the public are invited to sign books of condolence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The city’s website provides a link to both the Government of Canada and City books of condolence.
Another special ceremony was held at the Legion (Branch 76) in Qualicum Beach at 10:50 a.m., where wreaths and poppies were laid.
Qualicum Beach Town Hall, where flags have been at half-mast since Sept. 8, was closed on Sept. 19 and will reopen on the 20th.
A service for Queen Elizabeth II was also held at Legion Branch 211 in Bowser.
— NEWS Staff