Haligonians donned their poppies to stand among crisp winds and sunny skies to honour veterans on Remembrance Day.
Ceremonies were held throughout the Halifax area to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom.
It was a near return to normal for the ceremony held at Sackville Heritage Park.
Many of those who gathered wore masks and stood at a distance. A small area around the cenotaph was also taped off for invited guests.
This was a departure from last year when pandemic restrictions forced us to watch Remembrance Day services online.
The Last Post played, the names of our fallen were read aloud, and a moment of silence was taken to remember them.
A number of officials attended to present wreaths to be laid at the Sackville Cenotaph as people of all ages looked on from the crowd.
Local Legion President Tom McCormack, with RCL Calais Branch 162, says it is about keeping the memory of our veterans alive.
“Today, as we should every day, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought, and lost their lives,” McCormack says. “All for our freedom. We thank you. And we salute those that made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget.”
“We will never forget” @Surge105 @HotCountry1035 pic.twitter.com/jQhW3EsPQg
— Skye Bryden-Blom (@skyebrydenblom) November 11, 2021
McCormack explains several initiatives are underway to ensure the next generation continues to remember.
Youth encouraged to remember
McCormack says legions in Nova Scotia are active in the schools to help youth understand the significance of November 11th.
He says contests are held in schools with awards given to students for their artwork on the wars.
Veterans also head to classes to speak with kids, and legions give out thousands of dollars in bursaries each year.
When asked why it is important for the next generation to be involved, McCormack’s answer was simple:
“It’s something that cannot be forgotten,” he says. “Give with your heart and always remember.”
2021 National Legion Cadet of the Year
Chief Petty Officer, 1st Class Caitlin Taylor was involved in this year’s service.
She has been named the National Legion Cadet of the Year.
She is proud of the honour, which is bestowed upon members who are dedicated to their communities and known for their leadership and thoughtfulness.
“It’s pretty big. It’s basically the top sea cadet in Canada. So it’s huge,” she says.
Taylor has always been involved in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
She says being a cadet has helped her to understand the importance of November 11th even further.
“I get to be up here and actually a part of the ceremony. And really remember what happened, and what everyone went through back then. And how people were lost.”
She doesn’t want the next generation to forget.
Taylor believes the way to protect the peace of the future is to never forget the past.
“I think it’s really important to reflect and remember because everything that we have today is directly related to everything that they fought for back then. I think it is really important for us to remember what happened, especially as the younger generation. We need to keep remembering what happened to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
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