HALIFAX – Sunday morning was a time to reflect, remember and honour the brave Canadians who fought during the longest battle of the Second World War.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic — a battle that’s considered a defining moment for the Royal Canadian Navy, and instrumental to the freedom of the world.
“We had an enemy and he was out there to get us. And it was either kill or be killed,” said Captain Earl Wagner.
It was an emotional day, one that brings back memories and the catastrophes of war.
“Those who served in World War II, their minimum age now would be 90, 91 years old. So there’s not many of them left,” said NDP MP and Veterans Affairs Critic Peter Stoffer.
“It’s 75 years ago, almost to the day that I joined the Navy, so that’s significant, makes you feel old,” says Dennis Shaw, Chief Petty Officer First Class.
Wreaths were laid alongside the Sailors Memorial, which stands in Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park in memory of the Army, Navy and Merchant Navy members who perished and have unknown graves.
“It brings back memories of the war and the mates you lost,” Shaw told Global News.
There were hundreds of people in attendance for today’s service. Many are members of the armed forces, others are just citizens. Everyone of them is thankful to those who served.
“On behalf of all the sailors, our men and women and the soldiers here, I thank our veterans for their great service, sacrifice and achievement,” Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander of Maritime Forces told the crowd.
“Our generation, we made it for what you people have here today, because without us doing our little part, we wouldn’t be having a ceremony like this. We’d be saluting under the Nazi symbol,” Wagner said.
“You can never say thank you enough for giving up their youth, leaving their families, and for many of their family members who didn’t have their sons or daughters come home. It’s really quite significant in that regard,” Stoffer added.
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