A large crowd gathered at two separate Remembrance Day ceremonies Friday morning: one at the Brandt Centre and one at Regina’s cenotaph.
The ceremony at the Brandt Centre included symbolic poppies falling from the ceiling, wreath-laying and the Last Post played in memory of Canadian soldiers.
Ben Walsh, a retired RCMP officer with 30 years experience, and his wife Margaret, attended the ceremony to pay their respects to all who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including their son.
“In 2006, we lost a son in Afghanistan,”
Walsh said while fighting back tears.
“Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh…on the ninth of August, two days after his 33rd birthday, and we remember him everyday… and especially today.”
Every Nov. 11 for the past ten years, Walsh has worn his son’s beret.
Margaret, a Silver Cross Mother, also laid a wreath in the ceremony as she has ever since her son died.
Another part of the ceremony was the reading of Canadian John McCrae’s poem “Flanders Field.” Although written by a Canadian, other veterans think the poem represents freedom and now friendship among many lands.
READ MORE: Regina photographer brings Saskatchewan soldier graves home
Bob Jones, an American veteran, was visiting from Montana on Friday. He was a quartermaster, first class with the U.S. Navy and served for 24 years. This was his first time attending a Canadian Remembrance Day ceremony and says he was very impressed with his North American allies.
“I can’t even begin to describe the importance, we share boarders, we’re part of NATO, there’s a lot going on.” Jones said.
Local Canadian veterans and Royal Canadian Legion members also spent the morning honouring those who have served. Tim Hunter, a Royal Canadian Legion member in Regina, said what makes him proud is looking back at all the good Canadians have done, including peacekeeping missions with the United Nations.
“We are here to help others…We are here to be their equals and to help them do things that they can’t do on their own,” Hunter said.