Soldiers held their breath in anticipation 100 years ago when the armistice was signed to mark the end of the First World War.
On Nov. 11, Canadians gathered at the National War Memorial with families and poppies pinned to their coats to commemorate the fallen soldiers and veterans who served in the world wars, particularly the first, as this year marks the century plateau.
Families and citizens along with dignitaries attended the ceremony including Governor General Julie Layette, who placed a wreath with her son at the base of the memorial. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Paris attending remembrance ceremonies with dozens of leaders, while his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau stayed in Ottawa.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was also in attended and he spearheaded the national ceremony in Trudeau’s absence.
The ceremony officially started with the Contingent march arriving at the memorial. Following, was the Veterans’ parade, highlighting the arrival of the dignitaries.
Shortly before 11 a.m., the Canadian national anthem was played, followed by the symbolic Last Post on the trumpet.
The commencement of a 21-gun salute and the resonating tolling of a bell, broke the momental reflection.
Families and dignitaries then paused for a moment of silence.
Prayers were made, and wreaths were placed as Ottawa’s Children Choir sang In Flanders Field, composed by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. This historic centennial ceremony comes to a close, keyed by a final march off.
Payette introduced Winnipeg resident Anita Cenerini, as the 2018 National Silver cross mother, representing all military mothers who have lost a child to war. Cenerini fought for her son, Private Thomas Welch, to receive full military honours after his suicide.
This is the first time the Royal Canadian Legion has chosen a mother who lost a child to suicide for the year-long designation. A year after serving in Afghanistan in 2003, the 22-year old Welch ended his life on May 8, 2004, at Petawawa’s army base in Ontario.
During the First World War, more than 66,000 Canadians died on the battlefields of Europe and more than 45,000 lost their lives during the Second World War. The Remembrance Day ceremonies acknowledged the contributions of all Canadians who have served and are still serving today.
In a statement, Trudeau said Canadian have “fall silent to acknowledge a debt we can never repay.”
“We remember every Canadian who has sacrificed their future for generations beyond their own. We stand today, free and at peace, because of them.”
Photos by Grant Vassos
