Times Chronicle Staff
Members of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit (CAV MU) took part in Oliver’s annual candlelight tribute on May 6.
Members joined the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 97) and two classes from Oliver Elementary School, plus local Air Cadets, Oliver Ambassador Program, and dignitaries in placing candles at gravesites in the Oliver Cemetery.
The CAV MU was created in 2003 by two seasoned Canadian military veterans. Their vision was to create a motorcycle organization consisting of like-minded veteran supporters and veterans who wanted to “ride, have fun and help others.”
The CAV is a national organization with members from coast to coast. It consists of three formations: 1st CAV represents Ontario and Quebec; 2nd CAV covers the Atlantic provinces; and 3rd CAV represents Manitoba to British Columbia and the three territories.
The Okanagan unit is proudly named “Arnhem” after the Battle of Arnhem. This Second World War battle took place at the vanguard of the Allied Operation Market Garden. It was fought in and around the Dutch city of Arnhem from Sept. 17-24 in 1944.
During the candlelight tribute, Oliver Legion president Estelle Pavan explained that Canadian soldiers liberated Holland from Germany’s occupation in 1945. Fifty years later in 1995, the children of Holland placed lit candles on the graves of Canadian soldiers, with the candles remaining lit overnight.
People were drawn to these candles, and this prompted the tribute to be held every year.
The ceremony is to honour those who served and returned and have since passed on.
“We also remember those who have served and those still serving in our armed forces to help us live in the peace and freedom we know,” Pavan said.
During the ceremony, adults picked up a candle and escorted a youth to a headstone where the child placed the candle.
Members of 232 Bighorn Air Cadet Squadron saluted every time they placed a candle. Many of the school students copied the gesture in honour of the fallen.
(Photos by Lyonel Doherty)
