In the brisk morning of Nov. 11, a large crowd gathered at the National War Memorial to remember those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and who lost their lives in battle or on peacekeeping missions.
Each year the Royal Canadian Legion runs the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. The event honours all who have fallen in military service.
Chief Warrant officer Marie-Claude Brulotte is a member of the Canadian Army. She works as a dental technician and as symbolized by her lapel pins, is a branch advisor in her trade. She attended this year’s ceremonies as an observer because, she said, there are already many Canadian Forces members participating in the parade.
Ian McKechnie said that, years ago, he promised his dying father, who was a veteran, he would attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa each year. Before his father’s passing the two had attended the ceremony together each year. McKechnie now brings his daughter to keep the family tradition alive.
“I have deep connections in the military. A lot of my family served in the First War and the Second War, right back to the War of 1812. We really are a military family,” McKechnie said.
His father, Sgt. William McKechnie served in the Second World War as part of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, attached to the Royal 22e Régiment better known as the Van Doos. After three years in England, Sgt. McKechnie landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943, McKechnie said. He said his father was awarded the Italy Star and the France and Germany Star for his service.
While McKechnie has attended many ceremonies, 1996 stands out most in his memory. That was the final year father and son attended together. McKechnie said he thought he’d have to carry Sgt. McKechnie to the seating area for the veterans because by that time, he was very sick.
“The pipes fired up and they started marching the troops. I went over to get him to carry him back. And I couldn’t find him,” McKechnie said.
“I looked, and the man that I thought I was going to have to carry up here, was marching with the rest of the vets, I had to run like heck to catch up to him.”
This year’s event included a military parade, a Veterans March, a 21 Gun Salute and the placing of wreaths. Following the official ceremonies, some folks spent time in reflection at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. Many also laid poppies there to pay respect to those who served.
