Canada Pays Tribute to War Heroes on Remembrance Day
Canada celebrates the Remembrance Day today, November 11. Several Canadians expressed their thoughts about the day.
Numerous Canadians will travel to visit the National War Memorial today. At least 80,000 people from all over the country are expected to come together to pay tribute to war heroes on the occasion of the Remembrance Day. The Star quoted a number of Canadians, young and old, who shared their thoughts on the day. Bill Rolph lost his uncles, 1st Lt. William Wilson Phillips Jr. and Staff-Sgt. Robert Cowen Rolph, in the Second World War. The 75-year-old man read letters along with other documents to know more about their service. Rolph called his uncles as inspiring leaders. However, he said that his uncles were not the only soldiers he was paying his tribute to on this day. He paid his respect also to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Office Patrice Vincent who had recently been killed while Canada's Parliament was under terrorist attack.
Justin Blanchet, 7, paid respect to his grandfather who had served in the Second World War. Gilbert Blanchet was shot in his right arm while he was fighting in Italy with the Royal 22nd Regiment. The Ontario boy was not even born when his grandfather passed away. Deana Russell is one of the selected participants in the Junior Canadian Rangers. The 17-year-old came from Labrador to take part in the ceremony. Russell said that the day meant for remembering those who had fought for the country, keeping the memories alive and remembering their sacrifices. Vancouver teenager Joochee Chung will also take part in the ceremony. The 16-year-old will represent the Canadian youth at the ceremony. Chung said that the ceremony was the connection between past and present. It was also about appreciating the sacrifice people had made, he said.
Ottawa police will be expected to be armed and highly visible on the occasion. The security is increased for the Tuesday ceremony at the National War Memorial. The Remembrance Day is a government's holiday in Canada, CTV News reported. Most retail shops will be closed until 12:30 pm. Banks, libraries and government offices will remain closed. OC Transpo, Garbage and waste recycling pick-up, on the other hand, will follow regular schedule.
Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au