Join us at the Chilliwack Museum & Archives for a Remembrance Day Open House, an opportunity to reflect on the people, experiences, and histories that have shaped our community.
Located beside the Chilliwack Cenotaph, the Museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, welcoming those attending the downtown Remembrance Day ceremony and anyone wishing to spend time connecting with local history.
A Place of Remembrance for Over a Century
For more than 100 years, the Chilliwack Cenotaph has stood as a place of remembrance, honouring those from our community who served and those who lost their lives during times of greater conflict and war.
The memorial was established in the years following the First World War, when communities across Canada were finding ways to recognize the tremendous loss experienced by families, friends, and neighbours.
Its construction was not without challenges. Political disagreements, financial difficulties, and delays preceded its completion, reflecting the complexities of establishing a permanent public memorial in the years following the war.
Designed by architect George Lister Thornton Sharp, who also designed Vancouver’s Great War Memorial, the Chilliwack Cenotaph was originally established to commemorate those lost during the First World War. Over time, it has become a place of remembrance for those who served and died in subsequent conflicts, including the Second World War and Korean War.
The names inscribed on the cenotaph represent individuals whose lives were connected to Chilliwack. Among them is James Cleland Richardson, a young piper who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
Behind each name is a personal history: families, friendships, aspirations, and lives shaped or cut short by war. Together, these names offer a lasting connection between the experiences of individuals and the broader history of our community.
Learn more about the Chilliwack Cenotaph and its honour roll through Veterans Affairs Canada.
The Cenotaph and Our Historic City Hall
The cenotaph’s location beside the Chilliwack Museum is part of a larger historic landscape that has served as a gathering place for the community for generations.
Completed in 1912, the former Chilliwack City Hall was designed by architect Thomas Hooper and originally housed municipal offices, council chambers, police facilities, and courtrooms. The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984 in recognition of its architectural significance and role in Chilliwack’s civic history.
Parks Canada recognizes the cenotaph, memorial grounds, and mature trees as important features of the historic site. Together, the building and its surrounding landscape reflect more than a century of civic life, public gatherings, and collective remembrance.
Today, the former City Hall continues to serve the community as the Chilliwack Museum, while the cenotaph remains an important place for annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and personal reflection.
Read more about the Chilliwack City Hall National Historic Site through Parks Canada.
How Remembrance Has Changed
The ways Canadians commemorate military service and loss have evolved considerably since the end of the First World War.
Beginning in 1919, Armistice Day marked the end of hostilities on November 11, 1918. During the 1920s, remembrance often took place through church services, community gatherings, and ceremonies at local memorials. It was not until 1931 that November 11 was formally established as Remembrance Day in Canada.
In Chilliwack, these early commemorations reflected the profound impact of war on a relatively small community. Families gathered to remember loved ones, while churches, veterans, and community organizations helped establish traditions that continue today.
An article published by Heritage Chilliwack, The Days Before Remembrance Day, draws on historical newspaper accounts to consider how local remembrance practices developed. These records offer a glimpse into a community finding ways to acknowledge grief, honour service, and preserve the memory of those who did not return.
Read The Days Before Remembrance Day by Heritage Chilliwack.
Remembering Together
Remembrance Day offers an opportunity to reflect not only on military service and sacrifice, but also on the lasting effects of conflict on individuals, families, and communities.
For some, remembrance is deeply personal, connected to family members and lived experiences. For others, it is an opportunity to learn about histories that may feel distant but continue to shape the world we live in today.
The Chilliwack Cenotaph remains a place where these experiences and perspectives come together. Its history reminds us that remembrance is not only about the past, but also about how we understand its continuing impact and the responsibilities we carry forward.
Following the downtown ceremony, we invite you to visit the Museum, spend time in our galleries, and continue these moments of reflection.
Admission is always free. Everyone is welcome.