'It came at a cost': Veterans honoured at Montreal Remembrance Day ceremony
CTV
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Montreal on Saturday at the cenotaph to pay their respects to Canadian veterans.
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Montreal on Saturday at the cenotaph to pay their respects to Canadian veterans and make sure their sacrifices were remembered.
Cannon blasts rattled the bones of the crowd who donned red poppies before there was a moment of silent reflection for this year's Remembrance Day ceremony at Place du Canada.
Quebec Premier François Legault, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, and the federal immigration minister, Marc Miller, were among the dignitaries who were present as wreaths were laid to pay tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada.
"All the male members of my family were in the Black Watch and I served with them and it's a special day because not all of them are with us," said Thomas D. Irvine, the Legion's command president.
Among those watching beneath the square’s brass-coloured tree canopy was Paul Hebert, a 56-year-old veteran who served for 33 years in the Armed Forces, first for the Canadian Grenadier Guards and then for the military police. He said he plans to attend Remembrance Day events every year for as long as he can.
"This is an annual event that should be done for forever in time where … we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who served our country since 1867 to today," Hebert said.
"This is why I’m here and I’ll be here every year for the rest of my time."