Reflecting On Remembrance Day

Last week, there was a significant number of Canadians attending Remembrance Day services across Canada.  In fact, citizens arrived two hours before the commencement of services.

As many stood through the service, one reflected on the sacrifices our Canadian soldiers have made on behalf of our country.

Canada is a peaceful country but are not hesitant in sending their soldiers when a crisis arises.  In recognition of this contribution and the unselfish sacrifice of our soldiers, Canadian pay tribute in their own unique way.

Over the past two years, I have noticed a tradition developing which pays tribute to our fallen soldiers.  Specificially, once the service is over and the dignitaries have left – citizens move quickly towards the memorial and place their poppies onto the memorial.  In my view, this is a very significant and moving tribute to the fallen.  This practise is a regular occurrence at the National War Memorial and is now being undertaken at many memorials across Canada.

In light of the cowardly killing of two Canadian Armed Forces members in Quebec and Ontario, Canadians turned out in unusually high number at Remembrance Day services across Canada.  With the actions of the Parliament’s Sergeant of Arms (Kevin Vickers), there seemed to be sense that Canadians were not going to be intimidated.  To offset any potential threat at these services, police member carried their sidearms.

Photograph of side arm being worn by an RCMP member at the Cloverdale Remembrance Day service (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

At the Cloverdale memorial this year, a new tradition of tribute appears to developing – Girl Guides placing white crosses similar to what is being down in Europe.  It will be interesting to see if this new practise spreads across Canada.

Photograph of the Cloverdale War Memorial on November 11, 2014 with an honour guard of army, navy and air force cadets (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of the white Remembrance crosses placed by the Cloverdale Girl Guide troop (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of a memorial cross commonly seen in Normandy France (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP Veteran Laurier Cadieux at the Cloverdale Remembrance Service (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP Veteran Al Mullin attending the Cloverdale Memorial Service on November 11, 2014 (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of wreaths at the Cloverdale Remembrance Day Service (source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

We have included below some Remembrance Day videos for your viewing.

Video Tribute to Nathan Cirillo and Kevin Vickers

A nation says goodbye: scenes from Cpl. Cirillo’s funeral procession

Rex Murphy: Ottawa Shooting

U.S. Media Tribute To Highway Of Heros

Terry Kelly – A Pittance of Time (Official Version)

Remembrance Day Canada (‘Soldiers Cry’ by Roland Majeau)

Remembrance Day- Poppy Day 2014

Larry Litke submitted “Remembrance Day 11/11/11/11”

Fran Reid submitted “Mark Knopfler’s World War 1 guitar tribute for The Last Post project”

Veteran Sheldon Boles submitted “Mark Knopfler – “Remembrance Day”

Canadian Forces Tribute (I will remember you)