Canadian service people from far and wide make the ultimate sacrifice when they choose to serve and protect our country, and this became all the more obvious this past October when Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was killed at the Canadian War Memorial.
Cirillo was gunned down just days after Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed when he was purposely run down by a car in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
If you’re looking for a way to honour our soldiers on Remembrance Day, here are some events taking place in major cities across the country.
Alberta- In Edmonton, services will be held indoors at the University of Alberta Van Vliet Centre and is open to everyone, and in Calgary, a ceremony will be held outdoors at the Aero Space Museum of Calgary, with admission by donation to the museum for the remainder of the day.
British Columbia- In Victoria, CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble presents its 26th annual Remembrance Day concert at the Christ Church Cathedral. In West Vancouver at the West Vancouver United Church, the Chor Leoni Men’s Choir’s 22nd annual Remembrance Day concerts will be held.
Manitoba- If you live in Winnipeg a Remembrance Day Service, hosted by the Joint Veterans Association of Manitoba, will happen at the RBC Convention Centre. There is also a ceremony at the memorial for the 44th Battalion of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in Vimy Ridge Memorial Park and a McGregor Armouries Remembrance Day Parade that starts at 10:30am.
New Brunswick- There are a number of activities taking place throughout the province on Remembrance Day – in Grand Tracadie-Sheila, the general public is invited to attend the Veterans’ Parade, which will leave from the Grand Tracadie-Sheila town hall and wind its way to the town’s St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph Church.
Newfoundland & Labrador- In St. John’s the Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir presents “For the Fallen,” a concert of Remembrance, with special guests the Salvation Army Temple Band on November 11th at 4pm at the Salvation Army Temple, Torbay Road.
Nova Scotia- Remembrance Day services will be held with a special Trooping of the Canadian Red Ensign used from 1868-1921 (Vimy Ridge version), and a recognition for women during times of war, in Bass River. Also, a ceremonial pre-game puck drop to honour veterans will highlight the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) game between the Moncton Wildcats and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in Sydney.
Ontario- A province that is steeped in military history, there’s no shortage of Remembrance Day events here. In the capital there are a number of ceremonies that are taking place, including the National War Memorial: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier tribute at 11am (which you can catch by live webcast). In Kingston, local students will join the general public in a commemorative ceremony and wreath-laying to pay tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian veterans during armed conflict, war and peace. A light reception follows the ceremony. The City of Toronto will also host several events, such as one at the Cenotaph at Old City Hall where the general public is invited to participate and pay homage to the sacrifices and achievements of veterans during times of war, armed conflict and peace.
Quebec- Montrealers are invited to a commemorative ceremony at the cenotaph in Outremont Park with veterans, Canadian Forces veterans, representatives of the police force, local elected members, and the students of Stanislas College. McGill University will also play host to a Remembrance Day ceremony on its campus.
Saskatchewan- Residents of Regina are invited to take part in the annual Regina Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Brandt Centre, and those in Saskatoon can attend a commemorative ceremony and wreath-laying to pay tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian veterans during armed conflict, war and peace. The ceremony is held inside at the SaskTel Centre.
Photo: Remembrance Day
