Military veterans and officers were among dozens of people who gathered in front of Edmonton City Hall on Friday morning, poppies pinned to their winter coats, at a Remembrance Day service.
Footsteps of soldiers echoed through Churchill Square as they marched into the plaza to honour those who have died in conflicts around the world.
Gun shots from a ceremonial salute at the nearby Alberta legislature grounds could be heard in the distance.
Family members of fallen soldiers, as well as provincial and municipal leaders, also placed wreaths on a cenotaph.
Capt. Ryna Brideau-Thombs with the Royal Edmonton Regiment said she was pleased to see so many people out in the cold for the in-person service, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said being outside for a couple hours was worth it to honour those who died.
“The thing that makes it really important is to have the city and the community out and celebrate with us and remember with us, and be able to have everybody back in person to do this event means a lot to us,” said Brideau-Thombs.
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The day was also a time to think back on good memories with those who returned from war, she added.
“We have a lot of people from the community that come to thank us for our service,” she said.
“They talk about some of their friends and their family members, and it’s always really heartwarming to see.”