Despite the rain, hundreds of people from across the country gathered in Ottawa on Sunday, to honour fallen firefighters.
Amongst a silent crowd, a bell rang nine times to honour each of the firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2014.
The 12th annual ceremony pays tribute to firefighters from across Canada who died in the line of duty, or from a work-related illness.
Joyce Rowe’s husband, Cyril Rowe, was one of the nine firefighters who died last year. She says the memorial helps her deal with the loss of the man many knew as Ken.
“You don’t understand how much it affects you when so many people miss him as much as you do,” Rowe said.
Members of the Calgary Fire Department’s pipe band were so moved by Rowe’s story, some gave their hats as a token of support.
“We were just listening to the story, talking about Ken, and it inspired a few of us to give away our hats to them so they can remember us to and make sure they remember they are part of our family too,” Rob Zimich said.
The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation say there are now 1,248 names engraved on the wall at the Ottawa memorial.
