Silent crowd marks Remembrance Day

Instead, we should be arguing against the military and condemning its carelessness and violence – this is the most respectful thing we can do in memory of people who lost their lives in war.

Alfred Wallace says he comes to the event every year to remember his grandfather who died in the Second World War and say a prayer for those who survived.

It took Abnash Gill, a long-time Coquitlam resident, to remind us that it was not only people of European heritage who fought in two world wars, but people whose heritage was Indian, First Nations, Black or whose parents were born outside of Europe or Canada.

“Secondly, we remember because we are recipients of the sacrifice that has been made”.

“We also come here to thank those who continue to serve today protecting our rights and freedoms, won for us by those who have served in the past”, Bice said.

The year-round parking fee will be in effect except for VIPs, veterans in uniform or those with medals, and any other persons in uniform, including serving Armed Forces members, police, firefighters, paramedics and TTC staff.

On Tuesday evening, several volunteers including children from Girl Guides planted 30,000 tiny Canadian flags on the front lawns of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre at the North York hospital.

Cyril, who will be 90 in January, said the turn-out showed Remembrance Day matters to people.

The celebration of the military that takes place on Remembrance Day or Veterans Day is a ideal example of the distorted view we hold of military veterans and the realities of their lives and service.

Last October, I had the sobering experience of being at the Tower of London to see the U.K.’s commemoration of the “empire’s” service dead in the First World War, formerly called the Great War and The War to End All Wars.

A poem written 100 years ago that laments war, sacrifice and obligation will be recited by more Canadians than usual on this Remembrance Day.

“There were a lot more members of public than previous year which was a welcome surprise for the veterans”.

LCBO and Beer Store locations will open at noon.