A sea of poppies and quiet reflection will fill Trafalgar/Pro Patria Royal Canadian Legion Branch #292 on Nov. 11, as the Victoria branch once again opens its doors for Remembrance Day. The day begins at the cenotaph at the B.C. legislature, where members of the legion will take part in the parade and wreath-laying ceremony before returning to the branch to continue the day’s events. Doors open at noon (411 Gorge Rd. E) upon the arrival of the Poppy Parade, followed by a lineup of performances including the Victoria Police Band at 12:30 p.m., the Canadian College of Performing Arts, the Victoria Police Chorus, the Castle-Carey Pipe Band, and The BackBeat Band. For branch president Bill Wilson, Nov. 11 is not just a date on the calendar, it’s a time to pause, connect, and remember. “As president of the branch, it’s a bit of a zenith for us,” said Wilson, who has served as president for three years. “We try very hard to encourage people to come out, socialize with one another, and recollect. Many of the folks at our branch are service veterans, and this is an opportunity for them to feel good about what they’ve undertaken in their lives and the contributions they’ve made to Canadian society.” Wilson said the meaning of Remembrance Day often extends beyond the battlefield. “It’s not a celebration of war,” he said. “It’s a recognition of the sacrifice that people have taken on. When I walked through the graveyards in Europe from World War One, seeing the age of those young men, it’s absolutely overwhelming. There’s no celebration in that. It’s a recognition and a collective sharing of wisdom from experience.” Wilson’s dedication to the legion stems from a personal connection. His father served in the Second World War in Burma, an experience that left lasting emotional scars. ”He survived without any physical damage, but he sure as heck had some emotional ones,” Wilson said. “I think part of my involvement comes from wanting to recognize the risks my father took with his life, and to do my small part to give back.” Under Wilson’s leadership, Branch #292 has grown significantly, both in membership and impact. The legion donates roughly $100,000 each year to veterans’ charities and emergency assistance programs, while also serving thousands of meals to community members. Wilson said he’s grateful for the City of Victoria’s recent decision to include the branch in its permissive tax exemption for nonprofits, which totals $512,714.20 between 2026 and 2028. “It’s an amazingly positive decision by city council,” he said. “That kind of support allows us to keep raising funds and helping local veterans, some of whom are living rough right here in Victoria. We’re proud of the work we do, and Remembrance Day is when it all comes together. It’s when we stop, remember, and remind each other why this matters.”
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