Seven years ago, Brian Parkinson took a deep breath, lifted his trumpet to his lips, and blew, helping change how hundreds in 91原创 now mark Remembrance Day.

The retired insurance agent, now 81, recalls how he had chosen to mark Remembrance Day quietly at the Murrayville Cemetery, where he鈥檇 learned there was a cenotaph identical to one in Fort 91原创 鈥� both built after the First World War to remember the fallen.

After first going to the wrong location, Parkinson was running late when he was redirected to the cemetery on 44th Avenue, off 216th Street.

He arrived at the cenotaph with what he was sure were only moments to spare before the traditional moments of silence at 11 a.m. Parkinson didn鈥檛 have a watch on, so he leaned over to one of about a dozen others strangers who had gathered.

Whispering, he asked a favour. Could she let him know when it was 11 a.m.

She did. And on queue, the life-time trumpeter played 鈥淭he Last Post,鈥� just as he鈥檚 done every Remembrance Day since.

It was a moment that changed Remembrance Day, first for many Murrayville neighbours, and since then more and more 91原创 residents, who are seeking to be part of the smaller-scale, less-structured neighbourhood service.

It turned out the person Parkinson had asked for the time was Rosemary Genberg, who left that day with the seed of an idea for a new Remembrance Day service.

She garnered a commitment from Parkinson that day that he would return, and in the days and months that followed, Genberg pulled together a committee that would introduce a formal ceremony in time for the next Nov. 11.

Even through COVID, when most services were cancelled, Murrayville proceeded with a restricted attendance and livestreamed event for others to watch from the safety of their homes.

Last year, after COVID restrictions had lifted, in-person attendance began to return to normal, with upwards of 400 in attendance. And organizers are expecting even more this time out 鈥� somewhat dependent on weather.

鈥淭he last couple years, attendance has increased significantly,鈥� Parkinson said. 鈥淚t just seems to be something that should have been done long ago鈥� I鈥檓 just happy it got started.鈥�

Parkinson wants to attend this service for as long as he is able, whether he鈥檚 still playing trumpet or not, he shared, especially drawn to the natural setting filled with trees, birds, and occasionally other wildlife.

鈥淚t鈥檚 beautiful. It鈥檚 just gorgeous up there.鈥�

So, once again Remembrance Day will be marked on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a gathering at the Murrayville Cemetery.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., with a procession, led by piper John McCallum.

Grace Muller will serve as the master of ceremonies. There will be music from soloist Krystal McEwan and violinist Sharon Fong. Poems remembering the fallen will be read by committee members.

This will be followed by The Last Post, played by Parkinson, after which there will be two minutes of silence, then laying of wreaths.

After the event has concluded, a reception will follow at the Murrayville Hall (on 48th Avenue, east of 216th Street).

The cemetery is on 44th Avenue, west of 216th Street, and parking is available at the neighbouring 91原创 Golf Centre. There is limited parking in the cemetery that will be restricted to veterans and those who are unable to walk to the cemetery.

The event will again be livestreamed for those who are unable to get out in-person, at: .

There鈥檚 also a new feature that鈥檚 been added this time, explained Muller, who is also a member of the organizing committee. New this year, it will also be broadcast at Murrayville Hall.

鈥淢urrayville Memorial Hall is hosting an assembly inside the hall for anyone who may have physical or age challenges with attending a ceremony in person, but who would still like to gather together with other people instead of watching the livestream at home alone,鈥� Muller explained.