Lest we forget: Canadians commemorate the sacrifice of those who served in wars

In between moments of silence, the sound of solemn bugles, bagpipes and cannon fire echoed in downtown Ottawa on a grey morning on Nov. 11, as thousands gathered around the National War Memorial to honour and remember those who served and those who sacrificed their lives serving the nation in war and peacekeeping.

Capital Current was there to capture the moment.

Every year, the Royal Canadian Legion invites veterans, military personnel and spectators to take part in the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. The event includes the annual Veteran’s March, a 21-gun salute, the playing of The Last Post, the placing of wreaths and other traditions.

This year marked the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in the Second World War where thousands of Canadian soldiers fought alongside allies on the beaches of Normandy.

Dignitaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon attended Monday’s ceremony and laid wreaths at the base of the memorial. They were joined by this year’s National Silver Cross Mother Maureen Anderson who lost her two sons, Sgt. Ron Anderson and Sgt. Ryan Anderson, because of challenges they faced after serving in Afghanistan. Anderson serves as a symbol for all mothers of Canadian soldiers who lost their lives through military service.

In the crowd were thousands of Canadians from across the country who came together to pay tribute to Canada’s fallen heroes.

Greg Hamre and his family have made it a tradition to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa each year. Living around the corner from the memorial, Hamre, his wife and his daughter always meet for breakfast and arrive at the ceremony as early as possible so they can see everybody up-close.  

“It’s always an emotional day,” Hamre said. “One of the wonderful parts about living in Ottawa is that you get to take advantage of this. The uniforms of our military are so impressive and until you come to this you really don’t know that.”

Both of Hamre’s grandparents served in the Second World War. His grandfather was a gunner in the back of a bomber. His nose was shot off in battle but survived.

“It’s a proud moment too. I walk by the Tomb of the Unknown Solider daily and I always think of this day. I always remember,” Hamre said.

For some attending the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa is a “bucket list” experience. Roberta Beith traveled from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. to see the National Remembrance Day Ceremony for the first time. Having had many family members that served in the military, she said attending the ceremony was a meaningful experience.

“I always go to a service and to the cemetery. It’s a very emotional time,” Beith said while fighting back tears. “I had a brother and two nephews that served in Afghanistan. My father served with the Merchant Navy out of England. He joined when he was only 14 and served at the end of the Second World War.”

Two of Catherine Kaloutsky’s uncles also served in the Second World War. One of her uncles was in the infantry and was wounded in battle. Though both uncles survived, they never wanted to talk about the war, she said.   

“They’ve both passed now, but every year my cousins take out their father’s metals and put them on display and remember the sacrifice that they made,” Kaloutsky said.

Kalousky said it was a life-long goal to come from Oakville, Ont, to Ottawa to witness the ceremony.

“You see the pride in those that are still serving but you also see the pain in their eyes, because as much as we remember and we celebrate, they are remembering what they went through, and we have no idea what they went through. For me it’s just remembering and recognizing all of that.”

Following the ceremony hundreds of poppies were laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, in a moment of gratitude, reflection and remembrance of all the sacrifices made to protect our country.

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