Large Turnout for Remembrance Day Ceremony

“This year, in particular, we commemorate the 75 Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and we mark the Centennial of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s participation in the First World War, and the Centennial of the Irish Regiment of Canada”.

Each year, the number of veterans in attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies dwindles, particularly the ones from the Second World War and Korea.

Remembrance Day is a day to remind ourselves of what we owe to those who risked their lives to serve this country – and to look to the future.

Today, Remembrance Day, is a great opportunity to recognize that Canada’s remarkable diversity is not something new but a long tradition that should be honored, and that non-white soldiers faced remarkable adversity but volunteered anyway.

However, there can be no doubt that every single Canadian who has served in the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force, in peace and war, has made a contribution that most Canadians respect and admire.

In the US, veterans wrestle every day with the compensation and benefits programs in place. The war in Afghanistan re-focused Canadians on the cost of war in a way that was very real to them, because of the young faces of the military men and women who were killed and physically wounded in that conflict, or who suffered mental wounds that may never heal.

Wreaths were laid, the Last Post was played and Huntsville stopped to remember. But a few things are worth the risk. Peace is worth striving for.

Canadian soldiers fought in the Boer War in 1899 to 1902.

In reading the prayer of remembrance, Rev. Jim Short recalled those who died at home and overseas, but also singled out those who came home injured. “And to especially embrace the loved ones of those who have taken their own lives in or after their military service”.

Mary Mui holds a card of appreciation to veterans, following a Remembrance Day ceremony at McGill University in Montreal, Wednesday November 11, 2015.

Dean of Bradford, the Rev Jerry Lepine said: “It is absolutely vital that we continue to honour the sacrifice that so many have made for this country through the two world wars and in conflicts subsequent to that”.

In a statement, Trudeau paid tribute to generations of sacrifice.

Afterward, Johnston will host a luncheon at Rideau Hall to honour Sheila Anderson, the 2015 National Silver Cross Mother who represents all grieving families.

“Members of our Armed Forces – past and present – routinely put their lives on the line for our country”.

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

When I was in high school, my friend and I were given a scholarship by VFP to film a protest against the organization formerly known as the School of the Americas, a facility in Fort Benning, Georgia.