![]() “It's a reminder of the true bravery of those who commit their lives to the service of our country,” he said in a statement.īefore the start of the national ceremony, dozens of veterans of different ages and backgrounds marched through the streets of Ottawa alongside serving Armed Forces members to drums and pipes. We have to remember there are people that want to take it away.”īritish Columbia Premier John Horgan said Remembrance Day was being observed amid “an uncertain global landscape, marked by (Vladimir) Putin's illegal war in Ukraine,” and other conflicts threatening freedom and democracy. “What happened a few months ago really signals to people (that) freedom and democracy is not free,” he said. Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, who was representing the federal government in Ottawa as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travels overseas, echoed that sentiment. “We would like that it doesn't happen again, but unfortunately, what's happening now in Ukraine reminds us that we still need those people, and we have to really thank those people who are there for us, to defend democracy,” he said. The war in Ukraine is a reminder of the continued risk of a global conflict and the debt owed to those Canadians who have chosen to put on a uniform to defend democracy and liberty, Legault told reporters after laying a wreath at Place du Canada square. “The illegal invasion being waged by Russia on the people of Ukraine shows us all the dangers that still exist in this world,” said Ford, who spoke as cannons periodically fired in the distance. “It reminds us of what's going on now in the world, in Ukraine, and how important it is for all these people around here to support a system and bring an end to this type of individual fighting,” said Geen, who was attending his first ceremony in Ottawa.Īt separate ceremonies in Toronto and Montreal, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Quebec counterpart Francois Legault took note of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been portrayed as the new front line between democracy and authoritarianism. May we all strive to continue our efforts to build a better world.”Īmong the veterans in attendance was 93-year-old John Geen, a retired air cadet and army reservist whose father fought in the First World War, and who also drew parallels between the past and present. That in doing so, we may achieve a lasting peace. “We seek dialogue with one another in all spheres: social, political and religious. “In a world fraught with struggle and instability, where war continues to rage in Ukraine, we gather to affirm with one another our determination to remove the barriers of division in a spirit of reconciliation,” Mason said. ![]() ![]() Bonita Mason noted the war in Ukraine before calling on Canadians to set aside their divisions. In a prayer at the national ceremony in Ottawa, held amid unseasonably warm temperatures, military chaplain navy Capt. This year's Remembrance Day ceremonies saw a return to normal after two years of pandemic-related restrictions forced scaled-down commemorations, with large crowds and veterans returning alongside the traditional drums, pipes and cannons.Įven as Canadians were asked to remember the sacrifices of past generations, Russia's invasion of Ukraine underscored fears and uncertainty about a new era of war and conflict - and the need to stand for unity and peace. OTTAWA - The war in Ukraine loomed large Friday as Canadians, most wearing poppies but few with masks, gathered at cenotaphs and monuments to remember and pay their respects to those who fought and died in service of the country.
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