‘War has a cost’: Montrealers pay tribute to Canadian veterans on Remembrance Day

Poppy-wearing crowds gathered near the cenotaph in Place du Canada in downtown Montreal to honour Canadian veterans this Remembrance Day.

Army members and veterans were joined by dignitaries including Quebec Premier François Legault, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, Minister of Immigration Marc Miller, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly to lay wreaths in memory of those who served in the armed forces during World War I and following conflicts.

Speaking to reporters, Legault emphasized the importance of remembrance in order to learn from pas mistakes.

“It was thought for a while that there would be no more big wars,” said Legault, with a poppy on his chest. “But when we look at what’s happening in Ukraine, when we look at what’s happening in the Middle East, we don’t want it, but it’s not impossible.”

Ian Lafrenière, a member of the National Assembly of Quebec, a veteran, and the appointed Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, highlighted the role of Indigenous People in the Canadian Armed Forces.

“There are more than 12,000 Indigenous People that have served in the different conflicts,” he stated. “It’s a reality that is little known. During the First Great War, there were 4,000. It was one in four men in several communities who served as volunteers. It’s a big commitment and we want to underline it.”

The ceremony started with a minute of silence and a cannon shot to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the first World War ended with the signature of the Armistice and a temporary ceasing of hostilities between Germany and the Allies. Following that, the army orchestra played the Canadian national anthem, and a bagpiper played The Lament to symbolize the sound of the spouses and children crying over the dead.

Tommy Xu, a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, believes Remembrance Day is “a good way to keep the memory of those who served alive, especially when they fought for Canada, for freedom.”

“I think we need people to remember that war has a cost. It is not something that should be taken lightly.”

Having served in the Air Force for six years and counting, Xu makes a point to try and attend Remembrance Day ceremonies yearly.

Jacqueline McClure, a spectator, started attending the ceremony 12 years ago when her daughter joined the Girl Guides. She has since developed a deep appreciation for this day.

“I hope Canadians will take this day to mark this day and remember the sacrifices that were made for them by so many,” McClure said. “People have sacrificed so much for us, and we can’t take our freedom for granted. And we also need to develop a spirit of public service and caring for others and something bigger than ourselves.”

Onofrio Papasodaro, another attendee, wanted to emphasize the importance of teaching this history to younger generations.

“We just want the younger generations to know what happened the last 100 years,” said Papasodaro. “It’s just [important] to remember how things can unravel so quickly. And we need to get people to the tables to talk and try to understand everybody’s needs and make sure that we respect everybody’s conscience.”

Charles Courteau is a passerby who was happy to stumble upon the ceremony.

“I thought I’d stop by and try to watch as much as I can,” said Courteau. “I’ve had family members that have fallen in this war, so it’s close to home.

“I think that today, in the society that we live in, you know, with how divided that we’re becoming and how polarized that we’ve come, I think that for events like this and situations like this, allow everyone to come together regardless of ideology, race, etc.”

Montreal Matthew remembers this day by honouring his grandfather who fought in World War I.

“Our grandfather was born in Prince Edward-Island and went to the First World War,” he said. “He came back injured, and so I just try to commemorate that participation for the fight for freedom of the home and country. I think [this ceremony is] very relevant because there’s lots of threats to democracy, and even with the election recently and the conflicts around the world. I think democracy is something we shouldn’t have to fight for, but it’s definitely worth defending.”

–With files from La Presse Canadienne