Crowds gathered at Cenotaphs across Ottawa at 11 a.m. to honour the men and women who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. On a cold, cloudy November morning in the capital, people lined the streets around the National War Memorial for the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. They were joined by veterans, serving military personnel, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Silver Cross Mother Nancy Payne. Payne, whose son was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, laid a wreath during the service on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the military service of Canada. The Last Post was played, followed by two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. to commemorate the time the armistice went into effect on Nov. 11, 1918, ending the First World War, and a gun salute in honour of Remembrance Day. “Today reminds us that life and peace are fragile,” Col. Lisa Pacarynuk, the Chaplain General, said during the ceremony. “While we take time to recall our past, let us also recognize the progress and potential that those past sacrifices won for us. And let us look ahead with hope to the promise of a more just society.” Gen. Carignan told CTV News that Remembrance Day is an “important day that spans from past to future.” “I think this needs to remain a very special day. We have a duty to remember. We are still today living in very unstable and dangerous times. It is extremely important to understand the consequences conflict has on humans, which is why it is important to be ready and prepare adequately to do this,” Carignan said at the National War Memorial. “Also, remembering the sacrifices of the past, inspire ourselves from those generous acts of selflessness, also understand that today’s service is still well and alive, and looking at the way ahead for the future.” A 103-year-old Second World War veteran from Alberta attended the National Remembrance Day service in Ottawa for the first time. “I have often wanted to come but I just never got around to it, for some reason,” Elmer Friesen told CTV News’s Annie Bergeron-Oliver. “This time, I just mentioned the fact that I have never been, and I’d like to do, and my son said, ‘Let’s go.’ I’m excited.” Friesen said it’s very important for Canadians to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who served Canada. “It’s just very hard to say just what it was all about. I feel so proud, I really do.” Friesen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1940s and served in Canada. Debbie and Bryan travelled from Calgary to Ottawa for the Remembrance Day service at the National War Memorial. “I’m a very proud Canadians, I love living in Canada and I feel we owe a debt of gratitude to those service men and women from the past, the present and the future, and it’s something we’ve always wanted to do,” Debbie told CTV News. Today’s Remembrance Day ceremonies mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Veterans Affairs Canada estimates there are 3,691 surviving Canadian veterans. “This is a special day, because, having served for 20 years myself, it carries a unique feeling of pride,” retired Capt. Steven Dieter told CTV Your Morning Ottawa Tuesday morning. “A day of remembrance for myself because I had family members serve during the Second World War, the Korean War, the First World War. My wife and I have both served in uniform, so for us it’s a day to reflect, it’s a day to remember, it’s a day to appreciate everything that our fellow Canadians have given us in the name of our country.” Governor General Mary Simon did not attend the Remembrance Day ceremony today as she recovers from a respiratory virus, according to Rideau Hall. Prime Minister’s message Prime Minister Carney released a statement to mark Remembrance Day, saying it’s a day to “honour the service of the brave women and men who answered the call.” In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, remembrance is also vigilance. Our sovereignty and our security – and those of our allies – are not guaranteed,” Carney said. “The women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces protect them every day. They rush to communities as wildfires and floods roll in, they airlift life-saving aid across waters, they stand guard in the Arctic, and they defend NATO’s Eastern Flank. When people see a maple leaf on a sleeve or the back of a truck – they see hope, they get help. “Today, we pause to remember those acts of heroic service. We remember that our rights, our freedoms, our way of life were fought for and were won by Canadians who answer the call.” Governor General’s message The governor general released a statement Tuesday morning to mark Remembrance Day. “On this Remembrance Day, we honour those who gave everything to protect the peace and freedoms we cherish today,” Simon said. “For many of us, it may be difficult to fully grasp the realities of war, especially when we have never known it first-hand. But as Canadians, we owe it to those who fought to make our world a better place to understand the profound cost of their duty. “Today, in a time of global uncertainty, members of the Canadian Armed Forces continue to defend our sovereignty, support our allies and strive for a world where peace can prevail. To our serving members, to our veterans and to their families, we offer our deepest gratitude. Lest we forget.” Commemorative crosswalk A commemorative crosswalk has been added to Kent Street at MacLaren Street in honour of Remembrance Day and as a tribute to Canada’s veterans. The crosswalk is located across the street from the Royal Canadian Legion branch. “This is part of a national movement to recognize the sacrifices that veterans made on behalf of all of us,” Coun. Ariel Troster said on Bluesky. Road closures in Ottawa There will be several road closures in downtown Ottawa due to the Remembrance Day ceremony. The city says the following roads will be closed until 2 p.m. With files from The Canadian Press
