2024 Day of Mourning Ceremony at St Andrews on the Square
On the evening of April 28th, the Kamloops community gathered solemnly to honor workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job. The National Day of Mourning ceremony, hosted by the Kamloops & District Labour Council, was held at 6:00 PM and attended by approximately 100 community members, reflecting our collective commitment to remembering the fallen and striving for safer workplaces.
The ceremony was graced with heartfelt performances by the Valleyview Secondary Choir, who performed three songs that deeply resonated with the attendees, adding a layer of poignant reflection to the evening’s proceedings. The event began with a blessing and welcome by Colleen Seymour, an Elder of Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, whose words reminded us of the deep connections to the land and community that sustain our spirits in times of loss.
Distinguished guests added their voices to the tribute, including Kamloops Deputy Mayor Bill Sarai, Jordan McDougal, Occupational Safety Officer for Worksafe BC, and Ryan Cail, Deputy Fire Chief of Kamloops Fire Rescue, who shared insights into the ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety. Mrs. Dempsey-Caputo also joined the dignitaries in honoring those we have lost.
The spiritual tone for the evening was set by Chaplain Darren Donas, who led the attendees in prayer, fostering a moment of collective solace and support. The ceremony concluded with a a bagpipe performance by Kevin MacDonald and a stirring Last Post trumpet solo by Jerome Lidster, followed by the Honour Guard procession to City Hall.
At City Hall, under the guidance of Chaplain Donas, we continued our tradition of laying a wreath and white carnations at the memorial plaque. This act of laying flowers serves as a powerful symbol of our ongoing commitment to remember and to act in preventing future tragedies.
The National Day of Mourning not only reminds us of the losses we have faced but also reinforces our resolve to advocate for safer working environments. It is a day to come together, reflect, and push forward with initiatives that safeguard the well-being of all workers. The Kamloops & District Labour Council thanks everyone who attended and contributed to this meaningful event, as we continue to work together towards a future where no worker has to sacrifice their safety or life for their livelihood.
