The city of Ottawa and Carleton University took a minute Nov. 11 to remember our lost soldiers.
Outside of Azrieli Theatre, a crowd gathered around the flagpoles Nov. 11. The Carleton University Choir sang Eleanor Daley’s “In Remembrance” and on-campus construction came to a halt as the workers joined the crowd.
After “Oh Canada” was sung, “The Last Post” was played and both the Canadian and Ontario flags were lowered to half-mast.
A moment of silence followed before the trumpet resumed its song. The flags were raised and Chaplain Father David Shulist came forward to pray.
“We come together to remember, those who have fought for protecting others in warfare and all those who have resisted violence,” he said.
“In Flander’s Field” was read by Tracey Lauriault, a doctoral student at Carleton, and five wreaths of flowers with “Lest We Forget” and four names were placed beneath the flags.
“Let us not forget their examples of courage and bravery,” Shulist said as he ended the ceremony with a prayer recalling the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers.
At the same time, huge crowds flocked to the National War Memorial downtown for Ottawa’s public National Ceremony of Remembrance.
The crowd was reminded of the hardships and terrors Canadian soldiers faced while the sounds of gunfire and cannons echoed in the streets.
The ceremony began with the playing of “The Last Post,” followed by a moment of silence.
The Veteran’s Parade followed renditions of “God Save the Queen” and “Amazing Grace.” Dozens of veterans marched in the streets, accompanied by applause of respect and thanks from the crowd.
Many of the spectators then made their way up the steps towards the Grave of the Unknown Soldier to pay their respects and lay down their lapel poppies atop the tomb.
Among the hundreds of red poppies were photographs of soldiers, ribbons, newspaper articles about the wars, handmade poppies and one Canadian flag.
“[This day] is here to make sure we don’t forget those that have worn the uniform before us and those that continue to,” said Valerie Schenk, a Master Warrant Officer that attended the ceremony downtown. “It’s also to remember friends.”
“May they inspire us all to seek greater unity and peace,” Schulist said as the ceremony at Carleton drew to a close.