The Kamloops Legion joined many others across Canada this morning in holding a ceremony to honour and remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Held at the cenotaph at Riverside Park, Legion President Daniel Martin says it was important to pay tribute to the Queen.

“I think people really appreciated the time to pay tribute to the Queen because I think it is important that we remember her over 70 years of service to the Commonwealth, to the Crown, and to Canada,” Martin said.

“She was in Kamloops four times during her lifetime – twice as a princess and twice as Queen. So I think it was important for people in Kamloops to remember that and then to pay their tribute if they wanted to.”

Martin also tells NL News he was pleased with the turnout from Kamloopsians – about 100 attendees in total – who came out to this morning’s ceremony.

“It was very similar to Remembrance Day events. So we had the colour party come in at 10:45 and then we had a piper and also a bugler to play O Canada and The Last Post,” Martin said, noting there was also two minutes of silence observed at 11:00 a.m.

“We also had a wreath laying for the Queen. There was only one wreath laid and that was by me from the Legion as it was a Legion event.”

Other speeches included Colonel Robin Steel, a retired commanding officer of the British Army’s Royal Green Jackets, Member of Parliament Frank Caputo, MLA’s Todd Stone and Peter Milobar, Mayor Ken Christian, and Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

Like the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, the City of Kamloops has been in a period of mourning for the Queen.

“Tonight, at sunset, all the flags in the City of Kamloops will be returned to full staff, but they will do so with the proud remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II,” Christian said

“Long live the King.”