Veterans across the country were treated to a hero’s welcome Friday at Harbour Station in Saint John, which saw bout about 7,000 people attend.
Remembrance Day is a day of contrasting emotions, with the pageantry of saluting and paying tribute to those who have served and continue to serve, to the respectful silence as we remember those who sacrificed their lives in order for us to enjoy the freedom Canadians have today.
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The honour of being the Reviewing Officer in Saint John went to Pte. Winnie Rice. Now in her 90’s, she came to Saint John as a war bride from England.
“This is the most awesome day I think of my life, for military,” Rice said.
Rice, who was treated as a general today, took part in the infamous Battle of Britain in 1940. She was 15 years old at the time and the oldest of eight children.
“Four of my brothers and sisters were evacuated to Nottingham and the four that were left were the two babies and my oldest brother and I,” Rice said. “We used to fire watch.”
New Brunswick Premier Brian said the Remembrance Day ceremony puts everyone’s day-to-day problems into perspective.
“Every single one of the people that have served our country have a story,” Gallant said. “A story of courage, of hard work, of anxiety of leaving home, at times seeing things that are very difficult.”
The importance of recognizing the veterans of more recent conflicts was also highlighted.
“We have younger veterans now and it was great to see them represented as well,” said Captain Chris Ross, Deputy Commander of the Naval Reserves of Canada. “I think its critically important that the turnout be as robust as it was today.”
Perhaps the most important part of the ceremony was the number of young people who take the time to recognize the importance of Remembrance Day.
“Its important because of all the changes in the world and how it’s awful sometimes but we have to keep our hope with us all the time,” said 14-year-old student Charlotte Casey.
“We didn’t have the chance to go fight the war ourselves and they were really brave to go and do that,” added 15-year-old student Emily Mifflin.
“It’s important to remember those people who have served and fought because they made the country what it is right now,” said 14-year-old student Ellie Bidgood. “I think it’s an amazing thing.”