Veterans, fallen soldiers honoured at Remembrance Day ceremony in Montreal

Canadian veterans and fallen soldiers were honoured at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Montreal Saturday.

Wearing red poppies, Montrealers gathered and braved the cold to recognize soldiers who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and other conflicts involving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Soldiers and veterans were in attendance.

“I was in the army for 22 years and I’ve never missed a Remembrance Day,” said veteran Bradley Smith. “There’s people through the for the last 150 years have made sacrifices and represented Canada and its values around the world.”

“To honour all the veterans that have passed, and the ones that are still passing away, even in the latest wars, you know, we’re still going,” added veteran James LeBlanc.

Those in attendance honoured the sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces members by laying wreaths at the cenotaph at Place du Canada downtown.

“It’s very important to remember those that have passed and those that are here and those for the future,” said Paulette Cook, the executive director of the Quebec Provincial Command branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Particularly with everything that’s going on in the world today, I think we need to remember more regarding our soldiers and all the soldiers around the world we need to remember. And this is what is special about today, the 11th of November.”

Quebec Premier François Legault, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and federal minister Marc Miler were in attendance alongside Montrealers who wished to pay their respects.

“I always think of today to be important for everyone, even myself, to hope that in the future we have peace,” said Helene Soars. “And we are here to celebrate the ones that have been injured and have passed away fighting to make peace.”

“We’re here to encourage also the Canadian Army that we support them in every aspect, in the first peacekeeping in the world as well,” added Michel Sarkis.

Carole and Alan Jones say attending the ceremony was about honouring those who gave themselves for a cause.

“Sacrifices,” said Alan. “Everybody who went through those wars, whether it’s Second World War, Korean, whatever. And today, try and not go through those things again, just to keep our freedom.”

“To come to the ceremony to remember that, especially during this time, I think it’s important to honour the ones that are helping us out,” said Carole.

The Remembrance Day ceremony was organized by the Quebec Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion in Montreal.

“We dedicate it to not only just here the soldiers of Montreal or the people here in Montreal, but to all of the soldiers who fought in whatever war, whether they came back or not,” said Cook. “We want to remember those that have passed and those that are living today.”