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The opening of a memorial trench in Port Moody meant to commemorate the soldiers who fought during the first world war was interrupted by protesters who said the display promotes war.

Holding signs that said “gardens not trenches” and “teach peace not war”, the protesters attempted to interrupt the event at the Port Moody Station Museum.

“They disrupted a public ceremony that honoured people. They have a right to speak, but don’t disrupt a ceremony,” said Robert Simons, President of Port Moody Heritage Society.

“We’re not promoting war at all. A heritage society puts in place remembrances of what our communities have gone through….so we can learn from it.”

The trench, which took volunteers seven months to dig by hand, will be used by the Heritage Society to educate people on what life was like for soldiers during the First World War. It also honours Augustus McKnight, a Port Moody engineer who served in the war.

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WATCH: A behind-the-scenes look at the trench with Catherine Urquhart.

The display includes sandbags, barbed wire and shell craters to make the trench more authentic of the era.

“I’m hoping they’ll have a great appreciation of what a solider actually goes through. It’s the other image of war that’s not as glamorous,” said Guy Black, who oversaw the project.

He said he was happy with the opening, in spite of the protest.

“The whole message we’ve had is about peace and remembrance, not war and aggression.”