WATCH ABOVE: Canadians across the nation pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
Canadians are gathering at their local cenotaphs – some of them standing guard, others laying poppies or wreaths – to pay tribute to two soldiers who were killed in separate, targeted attacks on Canadian soil.
Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent died after being run over by a car in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. on Monday. Officials have said the attack was “clearly linked to terrorist ideology.”
On Wednesday, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot dead while guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Vigils were held across Canada on Saturday to commemorate both soldiers.
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In Halifax, several dozen people – many of them veterans – gathered at the cenotaph to pay their respects by laying wreaths and poppies.
Harry Fischer, who is currently serving in the Canadian Navy, said it’s important for Canada to demonstrate courage.
“I think the important thing is to show to everybody that we’re 100 per cent behind the members of the Canadian Forces that have passed away this week and also show solidarity that we’re not going to cower in fear,” he said.
WATCH: Halifax veterans pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
READ MORE: ‘They’re my brothers and it affects us’: fallen soldiers honoured in Halifax
In Calgary, veterans and off-duty soldiers wearing plain clothes and red poppies stood guard at the cenotaph on Saturday.
READ MORE: Vigil held at Cenotaph in downtown Calgary
Vigils were held in other Canadian cities, as well. In Port Moody, B.C., a 13-year-old cadet stood guard at the city’s cenotaph to pay his respects.
Meanwhile, Parliament Hill reopened to the public on Saturday, with tours set to resume on Monday.
READ MORE: Habs, Senators, Leafs to stage co-ordinated tribute before Saturday games
-With files from Julia Wong in Halifax and Alyssa Julie in Calgary.
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