Several Montreal-area communities took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies this Sunday, ahead of Nov. 11.
Young people, soldiers and dignitaries all took part in communities including NDG, Westmount and Pointe-Claire to remind people of the sacrifices made for Canadians’ freedom.
A procession also marched from city hall in Montreal West.
Among the crowd was veteran Fred Motton, who raises money every year for veterans by selling poppies.
“I generally sell them over at Reno Depot and they've been wonderful to me.
Also in attendance, Canada's new transport minister, Marc Garneau.
“I was in the navy, my father fought in the Second World War, his father in the First World War,” he said. “I think we owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and also to those who came back but need our help now.”
In Pointe-Claire, veterans and the men and women of today's armed forces marched with average Canadians, many who have personal connections to war.
“My husband's brother was only 18 but he was killed on the HMCS St-Croix many years ago,” said one woman.
“My father served in the war and his brother was killed, he was in the Australian air force and he came over to train here when he was 21,” said another paragoer.
“It's important because one of my friends’ bothers actually died in Afghanistan,” said a man, attending the parade with his young son.
While people were moved by the ceremonies, some lamented the crowds weren't larger.
Alicia Meloche, who is 17, said many of her friends don't take the time to remember Canada's war veterans
“I think it's important to remember what they have done, and they were all so young, like around my age,” she said.
