The Remembrance Day gathering in Whonnock increased at least four-fold this year over last.

With two cairns located in front of the centre, the Whonnock Community Association always lays two wreaths on Remembrance Day.

Last year, there were three people remembering the fallen.

This year there were about a dozen including a family with their children.

Stan Lovatt laid a wreath to remember those who fought in the First World War.

Jan DeZeeuw laid one to remember those who fought in the Second World War and the Korean War.

After the laying of the wreaths, someone requested that In Flanders Fields be recited, which the group did.

And after the poem, those who had gathered to remember sang O Canada!

Jean Davidson, who lives in the area, took part in the Whonnock Remembrance Day ceremony, and said coming together with people who live near you helps forge community identity.

"That can be meaningful," she said.

Last year, she wasn't aware that wreaths were being laid, she said.

She described this year's gathering as "informal and respectful."

The gathering also sparked a conversation that Davidson felt was important to have on Remembrance Day, a conversation that might not have happened with a larger crowd.

The ensuing discussion was about veterans benefits and what new veterans are facing, she said.

"People got talking about a justice issue for veterans," she said.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com