Canadians gathered at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Wednesday to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died in the line of duty. Thousands are expected to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in the heart of the capital. The names of Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark and Sgt. Morgan Wong, the four soldiers killed in a fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta last month, were read-aloud during the ceremony. Later, “The Last Post” was performed and attendees held two minutes of silence before a 21-gun salute was fired from the east side of Parliament Hill, near the Rideau Canal. “It is with humbleness and gratitude that we gather here today in this solemn place today, surrounded by Canadians from all walks of life, and the belief systems, faiths, and worldviews which strengthen us,” Col. Lisa Pacarynuk told the crowd in both French and English. “We pause to remember those whose service and sacrifice have helped shape the world in which we live.” While delivering the benediction, Rabbi Idan Scher paid tribute to the memories of those lost at CFB Wainwright. “As we honor their memory and the memory of generations of Canadian service members, we must ask ourselves: How can we, who have never worn that uniform, honor such a choice? Well, perhaps Canadians have shown us that answer,” Scher said. “In the days following the terrible fire, Canadians, they lined up to donate blood, prepared meals for emergency crews, opened their homes, and worked tirelessly to care for the injured. An entire community came together, determined that those who were suffering would not suffer alone.” Two fly overs are also scheduled as part of Wednesday’s ceremonies, one from the Royal Canadian Air Force at 11:05 a.m. and one from the RCMP at 11:30 a.m. Remembrance Day ceremonies are also being held at Beechwood Cemetery and Cenotaphs in Barrhaven, Kanata, Orléans, Stittsville, Westboro and Vanier.
