Flecks of hail swirled around the sailor’s memorial in Halifax as people laid green, purple and red Remembrance Day wreaths.
Yesterday’s Point Pleasant Park ceremony paid special tribute to Canadians who lost their lives while serving at sea. As the waves lapped against the shore under mostly sunny skies, about 500 people listened to Chief petty officer second class Paul Edwards explain the day’s significance. He said it’s time to pause and express gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and peace.
“More than 66,000 Canadians have died and thousands and thousands of others have come home scarred, battered and maimed,” Edwards said. He also mentioned the 97 Canadians who have given their lives in Afghanistan.
Navy Lt. Lennett Anderson told the audience we honour all who fought to oppose tyranny and restore peace.
“They fought for our freedom. Our veterans’ courage, their dedication and their sacrifice helped to make the nation undertake our place in the civilized world,” Anderson said.
“Every man and woman, even deployed today returns home a veteran worthy of our remembrance. We must never forget.”
Across the city, more than a dozen Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremonies took place yesterday.
At Grand Parade, silver cross mother Charlotte Lynn Smith, whose son Private Nathan Lloyd Smith died from friendly fire while serving in Afghanistan in 2002, placed a wreath on behalf of those who have lost family members in wars or while serving overseas.
At Citadel Hill, army reservists from the 1st Field Regiment fired a 21-gun salute.
