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The Grand Parade in downtown Halifax was filled with people for Remembrance Day.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.
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Canadian Forces personnel march in parade formation for the ceremony on Nov. 11.
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Elder Marlene Companion performed a smudging ceremony to cleanse the remembrance ceremony and distinguished guests in attendance.
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The event was hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 27 of Halifax.
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Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, centre, was in attendance, and laid a wreath on behalf of the Halifax Regional Council.
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Hundreds of people gathered in the Grand Parade on Nov. 11 to commemorate Remembrance Day.
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It was rainy and windy in downtown Halifax the morning of the ceremony.
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Matteo Mercer lays a wreath on behalf of the youth of Canada.
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Many wreaths were placed by community members or institutions.
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People of all ages were at the event.
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Those in attendance were encouraged to place their own poppies on the cenotaph and wreaths at the end of the ceremony.About the author
Linus Mulherin
Linus Mulherin is a journalism student at the University of King's College. Born in the N.W.T., he was raised in the Annapolis Valley.