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Remembrance at Fort Langley Cemetery
The green canopy of chestnut trees billows high above Glover Road, named after veteran and former chief of police Frank Wesley Glover. Creamy white blossoms push forth on these eighteen trees each spring, and by autumn we hear and feel the crunch of chestnuts underfoot. The trees run parallel to a wrought iron fence that separates Fort Langley’s main street from the village’s cemetery and were planted to honour local men who left to fight the Great War, but never returned.
A stone cenotaph with Celtic cross sits atop a knoll near five tall cedar trees. It was built after the Great War from public donations, an initiative led by two returned soldiers, Captain Dr. Benjamin B. Marr and Major Archibald Payne. Directly behind the trees is the veterans’ section. Each year, small Canadian flags mark their individual plots. Many of these graves belong to men who returned from war, but soon died from their wounds. Some, like William “Billy” Allard, enjoyed a longer life after seeing action at the Somme, Vimy and Passchendaele. His brother Eugene was killed at Passchendaele—Allard Crescent was named in his memory. Another brother died six years after being gassed.
About fifteen years ago the local tradition of visiting the cenotaph had fallen away and only two residents appeared at the war memorial for Remembrance Day—veteran Gordie Gillard and local merchant Brenda Alberts. With the support of local clergy, they spearheaded a revival of the ceremonies that now attract some thirty-five hundred people each year. Canada’s recent commitments in Afghanistan may be part of the explanation. Veterans march down Glover Road in the shadow of the chestnuts, a lone piper leading them into the cemetery. Parents speak quietly with young children; RCMP, ambulance, fire and military personnel, cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides all stand silently. Elderly vets stay warm and dry beneath blankets and tents. All pay attention to the ritual of Remembrance—the poetry, prayers, song and hollow trumpet sounds of the Last Post. We also hear the words. “Never, never forget the debt of gratitude we owe them.”