Lest we forget: Canadians mark Remembrance Day

Admin

12 years ago

Millions of Canadians are gathering across Canada today to honour the brave men and women, both past and present, who have served our country.

According to a new poll conducted on behalf of the Vimy Foundation, more than a quarter of Canadians (27 per cent) say they plan to attend an official commemorative service this year.

Remembrance Day resonates with many Canadians this year, following the recent deaths of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, the two Canadian Forces members killed just days apart in separate attacks last month. Canadians are in active combat too, with jets flying combat missions in Iraq.

Nov. 11 ceremonies this year also mark two significant historical milestones: 100 years since the start of the First World War and 75 years since the start of the Second World War.

Watch LIVE: For those unable to attend, follow our live blog and watch the live view of the Remembrance Day service taking place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

Princess Anne, who arrived in Canada on Monday with her husband Vice-Admiral Tim Laurence, will attend the ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa alongside Gov.-Gen. David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper cut short his time at the APEC Summit in China to be back in Ottawa for Remembrance Day in the wake of the attack at the monument and on Parliament Hill weeks ago.

Princess Anne will help rededicate the memorial originally dedicated 75 years ago by her grandfather, King George VI.

Tributes to the Afghanistan mission and the war in South Africa will be added, as will the new inscription: “In Service to Canada – Au service du Canada.”

In a speech upon her arrival at Rideau Hall on Monday, Princess Anne paid tribute to Cirillo and Vincent, and spoke of her personal connection.

“As we stand on the verge of the monument’s rededication, I am mindful of this continuum of history and the privilege given us as members of the Canadian Royal Family to share such important moments with you all,” she said.

The ceremony could draw as many as 80,000 visitors.

Even though most Canadians won’t be attending an official service, according to the Vimy Foundation poll, nearly eight in 10 (77 per cent) say they’ll observe two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day. Another 77 per cent say they are wearing a poppy in the days leading up to Nov. 11.