Northern Ontario marks Remembrance Day

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Legacy of service remembered in North Bay Remembrance Day ceremony

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Communities across northern Ontario fell silent on Monday, pausing to honour the nation’s war dead and serving military members during Remembrance Day ceremonies.

From North Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, and from Timmins to Greater Sudbury, residents gathered at cenotaphs and arenas in a shared act of commemoration, highlighting the enduring legacy of service and the personal cost of conflict across the globe.

Personal legacy of service

In North Bay, the ceremony was a deeply personal tribute for many.

Veteran Barbara Smith comes from a profound military family. Her brothers served in the Canadian Armed Forces, her grandfather fought in the First World War and her father helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazi regime.

“A fellow here in North Bay. Every time I went to the Legion Branch 23, he would come over to me and he would tell me, your father saved my life,” Smith said.

“I’m so grateful to know that about my dad.”

Speaking with CTV News Smith reflected on the broader topic of sacrifice

“Those men, they gave their lives, they gave their service and their lives so that Canada and around the world people are free,” she said.

Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that there are only 3,700 surviving Canadian veterans of the Second World War.

“We need to encourage our children to grow up and become soldiers of peace,” said Smith.

The sentiment of gratitude was echoed by the youths in attendance, including brother and sister duo Charleigh and Kolton Giroux, who handed out painted poppy rocks to service members and veterans.

“They said thank you and thank you for your support,” said Charleigh.

“It makes me feel good,” added Kolton.

Strong turnouts across the region

Similar scenes of reflection unfolded in other northern cities. In Sault Ste. Marie, hundreds of people filled the stands and floor of the GFL Memorial Gardens for a ceremony that included the laying of wreaths by the vetrans, politicians and legion supporters.

Pierre Breckenridge, the president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, said the public turnout matters deeply to those who have served.

“It’s easy enough to say things. It’s a lot harder to do things when people take the time out of their day, whether they’re here, whether they take the time to view it on TV at home, or whether they attend services other places,” Breckenridge said.

“It’s important to the serving members and veterans as well as the family, because again, it’s a visual reminder and support that the country and the nation is grateful for the sacrifice that they made.”

The Sault’s ceremony was underscored by significant restoration work done to the city’s main cenotaph, which now includes 71 newly added names.

New traditions and lasting peace

In Timmins, the local Royal Canadian Legion branches honoured the day with ceremonies at their cenotaphs.

Andrea Villeneuve of Legion Branch 88, who has organized the ceremony since 1991, said it was important to remember the fights for freedom, especially on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

“I think with all the turmoil that’s happening around the world and in the Americas, of course, because like I mentioned, this year we’re really concentrating on the Americas,” Villeneuve said.

“It is important to know what’s going on… and with our neighbours down south… we need to be there to support the people that need their help.”

The Timmins ceremony featured a new element this year, with two cadets and their band instructor playing the national anthem live on drums and a xylophone.

Sacrifices remembered every day

Meanwhile, thousands gathered at the Sudbury Community Arena for the city’s ceremony on Tuesday morning. Dick Perra, the chair and service director for Legion Branch 76, emphasized the day’s importance.

“For everyone to see what goes on with the military that’s going to be here today and all the other organizations that will be here,” Perra said.

“This is a very important day for Canadians and I’d like to see more and more people in the arena for it.”

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre echoed the sentiment.

“It’s so key that we gather today and I know there’s a lot of great gatherings across our city and that’s great,” he said.

“That’s just a testament of how we care and how we give thanks.”

The ceremony included over 30 wreaths.

The Silver Cross Mother’s wreath was laid by Jocelyn Tait, in honour of her son, Jesse Tait, who died by suicide in 2015 after serving in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Shelley Kennedy, the chaplain for Legion Branch 76, spoke about enduring such a loss.

“To stand up there as a parent who has lost children and look at the Silver Cross, the mother and the other families that have made that sacrifice. I don’t know if I’d be that strong,” Kennedy said.

“It’s not one day for them. It’s every day.”

As the notes of the Last Post faded in arenas and at cenotaphs across the north, the day served as a visual reminder of a region’s commitment to never forget.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalists Lyndsay Aelick, Lydia Chubak, Cory Nordstrom and Eric Taschner

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