Watch above: Over 10,000 people attended Saskatoon’s indoor Remembrance Day ceremony at SaskTel Centre, with this year’s service holding even deeper meaning for those in attendance.
SASKATOON – At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, Canadians around the country paused to reflect and remember those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Over 10,000 people gathered at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre on Remembrance Day to honour those who died for their country.
Paula Irvine said she and her son were at Tuesday’s ceremony to show their appreciation.
“I have a beaver scout and he’s going to learn to respect the veterans and to learn what they did because without them we wouldn’t have the choice to come today,” said Irvine.
They were not alone.
It was the largest crowd ever at the SaskTel Centre to honour soldiers from both world wars, the Korean War and other conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
“We should be thanking the people that kept us here, so we can come out 10,000 strong,” said Don McDonald, ceremony coordinator.
RAW VIDEO: Remembrance Day ceremony at SaskTel Centre
In the wake of attacks that killed warrant officer Patrice Vincent and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a salute was made, a moment of silence was held and a wreath was laid at the cenotaph.
“I think it was very important to recognize the two fallen gave their lives on our own soil,” said John Davidson, the former president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.63.
“Words can’t describe how I feel for them and, of course, for their families.”
More: Canada Remembers
While the two soldiers’ deaths are top of mind, so too are those who fought a century ago. This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War.
“To still remember them is important,” said Padre Jim Halmarson.
“It’s easy to focus on the present but it is the history and the past – without that past history there’s really nothing in this country at all.”
According to an Ipsos Reid poll, almost three in 10 Canadians planned to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony this year. Numbers have been steadily climbing for over a decade.
Social media silence
As citizens across the country paused to reflect on the sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces members, Global News social media accounts observed two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. EST during the ceremony at Ottawa’s War Memorial.
Social media accounts outside the Eastern time zone also fell silent for two minutes at 11 a.m. local time.
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