Crowds gather to give gratitude on Remembrance Day

Thousands turned out at the Moncton Coliseum on Tuesday morning for Remembrance Day.

Most wearing poppies, both young and old, came to remember.

“Our soldiers, Airmen. Airwomen and sailors have fought and died for our liberty and freedom. We must remember the more than 1.5 million Canadians who served in conflicts throughout our nation’s history and the more than 120,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned. Let us remember with deep gratitude the sacrifices made in the past by the men and women in the military, the RCMP and provincial and municipal police who served abroad, who enabled us today to enjoy this great country called Canada,” the Master of Ceremonies said.

Members of the audience who had served were also invited to march in the parade that filled the Coliseum floor.

The room was full of emotions as the last post was played, followed by two minutes of silence, for those who have served and died for our freedom.

It was a cool and breezy morning, but the sun shone brightly for a record crowd that also gathered at two outdoor Remembrance Day ceremonies in Moncton. One, at Victoria Park, where ceremonies were originally held before the construction of the Moncton Coliseum. A moment of silence is observed, white doves are released in a moment of peace and poppies are laid at the foot of the cenotaph.

A third Remembrance Day ceremony was held at Sunny Brae Park. . Veterans and other members led a march from the Royal Canadian Legion to the cenotaph before the ceremonies, where they were greeted by members of the community gathered there.

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of families, friends, dignitaries and others.

Ceremonies held in Riverview and Dieppe

Riverview residents gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for a moment of silence and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In Dieppe, those who served and are serving were remembered during services held at Ecole Mathieu Martin.