A massive crowd filled the Aldergrove Legion grounds surrounding the cenotaph for the Remembrance Day service, Nov. 11.
A parade led by the Legion's colour party marched down the Veterans' Way portion of Fraser Highway to the cenotaph shortly after 10 a.m. The parade included a marching pipe band, Legionnaires, navy and army cadets and uniformed service personnel from the military, RCMP and fire fighters, as well as Scouts and Guides and the Kodiaks junior hockey team.
Fraser Highway was closed to traffic for the duration of the service and vintage military vehicles from International Movie Services were parked on the highway in front of a pair of Township of Langley ladder trucks which held a Canadian flag in the air behind the cenotaph.
Security was noticeably tightened up at this year's service, with armed officers patrolling the crowd and an RCMP sharpshooter posted to the Legion rooftop.
The Fraser Valley Community Winds and Central Valley Community Pipe Band led the singing of the anthems and hymns. The crowd of well over 1,000, perhaps as many as 2,000, stood in silent respect as the speakers recited poetry, scripture readings, prayers and the names of the service men and women who have passed away in the past year.
Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph by representatives of the government and community organizations, after which the crowd was invited to place their poppies on the cenotaph.