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Candles placed on graves to mark VE Day

Candles will be placed on the graves of deceased Summerland veterans at a special ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

Candles will be placed on the graves of deceased Summerland veterans at a special ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

The ceremony, to mark VE Day, will be held at Canyon View Cemetery on Sunday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m., followed by the placing of candles.

Volunteers will also place candles at Peach Orchard Cemetery, Giant’s Head Cemetery and the grave sites at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

A total of 422 candles are placed, half of those at Canyon View Cemetery.

“For the majority of World War II veterans, VE Day is more significant than Remembrance Day, as they served in the European Theatre,” said John Dorn, past president of the Summerland branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“VE Day marks the end of hostilities in Europe and their return home.”

Following the ceremony, legion members and guests are invited to the Summerland Legion on Rosedale Avenue at 2 p.m. for entertainment by Pam Ferens, followed by a turkey dinner.

Tickets for veterans are free but must be obtained in advance.