PHOTOS: Hundreds commemorate Remembrance Day at Halifax’s Grand Parade

Hundreds of people weathered steady rain and wind at the Grand Parade in downtown Halifax on Monday morning to commemorate those who have served in Canada’s military.

Mi’kmaw Elder Marlene Companion performed a smudging ceremony at the beginning of the proceedings to purify the ceremony and distinguished guests. This is the first time a smudging ceremony has happened at the Grand Parade event, according to the CBC.

The Memorial Cross of Canada was laid by Jean Noel in memory of her brother Master Cpl. Kirk Bradley Noel, who was killed during a search-and-rescue training exercise near Canso, N.S., in 2006.

Mayor Andy Fillmore laid a wreath on behalf of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Norway and Lebanon laid wreathes on behalf of their respective countries.

“At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, time stands still for a moment,” said Command Chaplain Steven Cochrane. He invited attendees to focus their thoughts inwards and give thanks to “remember those who died, not for war, but for a world that would be free and at peace.”

Musical support was provided by bugler Cameron Milligan, piper Ryan Gonsales and the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Attendees were invited to place their own poppies or wreaths at the end of the ceremony.