Hundreds gathered in Lower Nicola on the morning of May 28 to commemorate those locally who have sacrificed for our freedom.

A new war memorial was unveiled on Neale Road next to the Shulus Community Arena, showcasing those who have served from the Nicola Valley. Those who live in the valley would recognize a handful of names on the list as local street names, like Voght, Charters and Coutlee.

In total 67 names are on the three-pillared First Nations Veterans Associations War Memorial, which complement a large rock that had already been nearby that pays homage to those that served in both world wars, Vietnam and Korea.

The Lower Nicola Indian Band revealed a new war memorial near the rink on the morning of May 28. Hundreds attended, as well as those in uniform. Lest we forget.

鈥� Jake Courtepatte (@JakeC_16)

Sgt. Kyla Boston of the Royal Westminster Regiment was on-hand to provide information on the Bold Eagle program, a summer training experience for Indigenous youth to teach both culture and military training.

鈥淚f you have any youths in your communities from the ages of 16-29, just quickly google Bold Eagle and what it鈥檚 all about. They鈥檙e going to gain so much knowledge from that five weeks, and learn more about their culture, learn more about themselves, and learn more about how you can test your mental and your physical strength.鈥�

The ceremony also involved a sacred fire offering, and a flyover of a Hawk trainer jet.

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Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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