It was a wet and damp Remembrance Day in New Brunswick, but it did not stop thousands from paying respect and honouring veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Ceremonies and parades were held at legions, community gathering places and cenotaphs throughout our province on Monday.
Many began with the singing of O Canada and included powerful renditions of The Last Post while names were read aloud.
Wreaths and crosses were laid by dignitaries and poppies were removed from lapels for another year.
In Saint John, thousands attended the annual ceremony at TD Station to pay their respects.
It was one of five services taking place in different locations throughout the city.
Organizers estimate around 2,500 people attended the 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony at TD Station in Saint John. Image: Brad Perry
Warrant Officer 2nd Class (Ret’d) Victor R. Burrill, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran who served in the Second World War, was this year’s reviewing officer.
The 99-year-old received a standing ovation as he was introduced and again when he laid the first wreath on the cenotaph.
Warrant Officer 2nd Class (Ret’d) Victor R. Burrill (centre), a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, was the reviewing officer at the 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony at TD Station in Saint John. Image: Brad Perry
Silver Cross mother Laurie Greenslade and Donald Greenslade also laid one of the wreaths. Their son, Pte. David Greenslade, died while serving in Afghanistan on Easter Sunday 2007.
“On Nov. 11, New Brunswickers come together at cenotaphs and community centres across the province to honour and reflect on the immense sacrifices made by veterans, those who are currently serving, and the brave souls who have given their lives to defend our country and its people,” said Premier Susan Holt.
In the Moncton area, services were held in various communities including Riverview and Dieppe to highlight a few.
Wreath from the Town of Riverview. Photo: Councillor Jeremy Thorne
Thousands attended the ceremony at the Moncton Coliseum.
Remembrance Day ceremony at Moncton Coliseum. Photo: Greg Daborn via FB.
“We recognize the courage of soldiers who have answered the call to protect our freedoms. Wearing a poppy is a powerful tribute to their service and shows our immense gratitude,” added Holt.
Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in his annual Remembrance Day message that Canadians have answered the call of duty for generations.
“In the tunnels and trenches of Vimy. On the beaches of Dieppe and Normandy. In the mountains of Afghanistan. Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans have – throughout every chapter of our history – kept Canadians safe. Signing up to serve in times of war and peace,” said Trudeau. “Leaving behind their family for days, weeks, and months. Fighting shoulder to shoulder alongside Allies, against artillery fire, missiles, and bombs. Some returned home from the battlefield never truly the same. Others never returned at all.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives for Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa
“Earlier this year, we marked 80 years since over 14,000 Canadians stormed Juno Beach on D-Day. The tragic loss we faced that day, the sacrifice our troops endured, and the defining victory that D-Day inspired is a vivid reminder of their courage and devotion.” added Trudeau.
