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.
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We must remember. We must remember the bravery and the courage, but also the ugly realties of war – the death, the pain and the loss that those who experienced it will never forget.
Anderson’s son, Corporal Jordan Anderson, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2007.
But proud as we are of how our legions have kept the tradition alive and growing around the cenotaphs of the country, we have a few concern for the future.
The city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony, held at the SaskTel Centre, drew in about 9,600 people.
In this day and age, with so many distractions and technology keeping people linked together with the press of a button, it could be easy for people to take what we have for granted. Bus and streetcar operators will stop their vehicles at a regular service stop prior to 11 a.m., and remain there for the duration of the pause. Veterans were asked to identify themselves by wearing their medals, beret, blazer, uniform or other similar belongings while traveling. From coast to coast to coast, we pay special tribute to those who have given their lives in service. There was also the traditional playing of The Last Post, followed by The Rouse, as jets flew overhead in a flyover.
Canadians overwhelmingly find Remembrance Day as relevant today as when it began almost a century ago, but are split on whether younger generations properly appreciate and honour the country’s veterans, according to a new survey released days before the ceremony.
The Fort York National Historic Site is partnering with the Toronto chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire for its Remembrance Day ceremony this year.
The ceremony was one of nine Remembrance Day events attended by the Lord Mayor Ian Graham and Lady Mayoress Margaret Graham, who were next off to attend a service at Trinity House on Newcastle quayside.
The veterans’ organization is marking its 90 anniversary this year.
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The LCBO and Beer Store locations will not open until noon.
