A Saturday procession of flag-bearing veterans signalled the opening of Remembrance Weekend and Veterans' Week at the Royal B.C. Museum, where a unique collection of wartime memorabilia is on display.

At the centre of the third-floor exhibit is a replica of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. The real monument, a bronze-and-stone creation standing nine metres high, is in Ottawa's Confederation Park. Its four bronze panels denote participation by aboriginal groups in the two world wars, the Korean War, and peacekeeping missions.

Leading Saturday's event was Bob Ducharme, a Korean War veteran and a representative of the Metis Veterans of B.C. Thousands of Metis soldiers were among the aboriginal troops who served Canada overseas, he said.

Pauline Rafferty, the museum's chief executive officer, told the veterans gathered for the occasion that their presence was important "to be able to demonstrate for all British Columbians the extreme sacrifice that you have all made for this country."

She said displays at the museum will give the public a chance to find out more about Canada's history of military service as Remembrance Day approaches.

"We encourage all British Columbians, anyone who is in Victoria, to learn of the legacy of all of the men and the women who helped shape this world."

The museum has heralded Remembrance Day with special displays for the past several years.

Entrance to Remembrance Weekend attractions is included in the price of regular museum admission. Current and retired military personnel, police and firefighters are eligible for a 20 per cent discount, along with their families, through Friday at both the museum and the adjoining IMAX theatre.

On-site at the museum through today is military historian Paul Ferguson, who will help anyone looking for information about friends or family members who were involved in wartime service. He can also help to identify memorabilia such as medals, insignias and uniforms that the public brings in -- a popular offering in past years.

Members of many veterans' and military groups will also be on hand to answer questions today, including the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, the Korean Veterans' Association and the Association of Aboriginal Veterans.

Also taking part are the Merchant Mariners, the Maritime Museum of B.C. and the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum.

Exhibits will remain in place all week. Notable attractions include Stephen Lamb's display of trench art -- objects fashioned out of shell casings and other war-related debris -- and Colin McIntosh's collection of documents and photographs honouring 20 women who served the Allies as spies and resistance workers during the Second World War.

In addition, Clifford Carl Hall on the museum's first floor has a large display of military models and dioramas arranged by the Victoria Scale Modellers.

The museum will host Remembrance Day events from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday.