WINNIPEG — Gone, but not forgotten. Nearly 4,000 people gathered at the Winnipeg Convention Centre for the Joint Veterans’ Association Remembrance Day Service on Monday.
Friends and family showed their respect to the different generations who have served or are currently serving in the Canadian military.
Lieutenant Governor Phillip Lee, Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Sam Katz all took part in the laying of the wreaths.
“Manitobans have made a great contribution over the decades to protecting the way of life that we have, democracy and freedom,” said Selinger. “It’s always a very popular ceremony.”
Past and present military personnel marched through the crowd.
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Some spectators learned for the first time what Remembrance Day is really about.
“I think a lot of people have their eyes opened when they see these ceremonies, hear people talk, when they learn things in school about what went on in these wars they don’t really understand,” said Craig Tanner, a spectator in his 20s.
“To be honest, for the last couple years, I’ve done absolutely nothing, enjoyed the day off. I never thought the ceremony would affect me as much as it did,” said Breanne Lucky.
Reverend Dr. Bruce Miles, who led prayers at the service, had a brother who never returned from the battlefield and he hopes people pass on a message to all generations.
“What we have today to enjoy and whatever else there is, somebody paid for it in some kind of way.”
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