Quebec remembers its veterans

Every year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians remember the lives lost in defence of the freedoms this country enjoys today. Ceremonies were held across the province on Friday to remember the service and sacrifice of the thousands of Canadian men and women who lost their lives, limbs and hearts at war.

Many who gather to remember the fallen can only imagine the horrors of battle; few are those who have born witness to the atrocities of war.

READ MORE: Veterans face challenges finding employment after serving

“I remember those who died believing that what they were doing was just,” said Jonathan Duguay of Kirkland. The 28-year-old was a private when he served in Afghanistan with tactical group 1 R22R ROTO 3-10. “I remember my brothers in arms injured in battle, with broken legs or broken souls. I share their pain.”

For him, November 11 is a very difficult day.

“Every year, it gives me chills each time I watch the parade or when I hear gun shots or when the bagpipes play. It’s very emotional.”

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In Pointe-Claire Friday morning, students from St. Thomas High School and Vincent Massey Collegiate laid over 1,700 poppies for the 1,700 Canadian Forces and Allied members buried in the Field of Honour.

READ MORE: No stone left alone: Pointe-Claire students taking lead role on Remembrance Day

In Montreal, the official Remembrance Day ceremony finally returned to Place du Canada after a seven year absence. Montrealers gathered to pay their respects and honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who fought for Canada.

READ MORE: Canadian military veteran Jody Mitic guest hosts Global News Morning in Montreal

In Quebec City, a ceremony was held at the Cross of Sacrifice on the Plains of Abraham. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard was among those in attendance.

READ MORE: Montreal Black Watch armoury defaced before Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, was inaugurated in much of the British Empire in 1919 on the second Monday of November. In 1931, Canadian Parliament decreed that the newly named Remembrance Day would be observed on Nov.11.

Over the decades, Remembrance Day has seen periods of devout observation as well as periods of decline. But it seems interest in the occasion grew greatly in 1995 with the marking of 50 years since the end of World War II, and has remained great ever since.