Winnipeggers gather to mark Remembrance Day
Posted November 11, 2024 5:22 pm.
Last Updated November 11, 2024 8:02 pm.
On Monday thousands gathered at the RBC Convention Centre to pay their respects and reflect on this sombre and historic Remembrance Day.
“This morning, as we reflect upon our blessings, we ask that we may be faithful stewards of the freedom that has been granted,” said Captain Gabriel Boucher, master of ceremonies.
With this year marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and with wars continuing to rage in Ukraine and the Middle East. Calls for Canadians to stand for peace echoed through the convention centre.
“Let us remember with gratitude the thousands of Canadians who choose today to serve Canada before themselves,” said Padre Antin Sloboda, 17 Wing Chaplain. “Let us remember those who rent to battle, and never came home.”
A wreath-laying ceremony followed the playing of the last post, the customary minute of silence at 11 a.m. and the reading of in Flanders Field.
Manitoba lt.-governor Anita Neville laid the first wreath, followed in short order by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, service members, and veterans.
For David Serduk, a retired master corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces, while war seemingly never goes away, seeing so many young Canadians not only pay their respects to the fallen but also show an interest in serving their nation, leaves the veteran hopeful for a greater tomorrow.
“They are going to be our next leaders, we need leaders. I’m a firm believer you start them young, you start them early, they only become better leaders as they grow older,” said Serduk.
The service downtown, just one of many across Winnipeg on Monday, including at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park and St. Norbert Cemetery.
Hundreds turned out to pay their respects and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for peace, and the country we hold so dear.
