Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau place a wreath during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau place a wreath during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.
Photo Credit: PC / Sean Kilpatrick

Canadians honour war dead on Remembrance Day

Thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast gathered at cenotaphs in their communities to remember and honour Canada’s war dead.

The most prominent event was held in Ottawa, where Gov. Gen David Johnston and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among those who attended a special service at the National War Memorial.

Cannon fire echoed in the distance behind Gov. Gen. David Johnston and his wife, Sharon Johnston, both wearing military uniforms — he in the blue of the air force as commander-in-chief and she as a honorary navy captain.Trudeau and other dignitaries were also on hand and placed wreaths.

“Time may fade, but our memories cannot. We all have a duty to hold the torch high, and to keep its flame alight. Liberty’s cause beats deeply within our hearts, and every generation of Canadians has answered the call to serve,” said Trudeau.

A woman from Canada’s Pacific Coast province of British Columbia who lost a son during the conflict in Afghanistan had been picked as this year’s Silver Cross Mother.

Colleen Fitzpatrick placed a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all Canadian mothers with a child in the military who died in the line of duty.

Her son, Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick, died in Afghanistan in 2010 when he stepped on an explosive device.

In all, some 1,400 communities held ceremonies remembering those who served the country.

A woman sits beside a grave marker at a military cemetery following a Remembrance Day service in Calgary, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.
A woman sits beside a grave marker at a military cemetery following a Remembrance Day service in Calgary, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. © PC/Jeff McIntosh

With files from CBC News and The Canadian Press

Categories: Society
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