Who cares about Remembrance Day?

[BrianWilliams]

A happy remembrance for me:

Walking up to Cambie and Hastings at 10 am last Sunday, I was late - 6,000 people had already filled Hamilton, Hastings, lower Cambie and Victory Square to capacity.

What a wonderful morning. Though stuck at the back of a large crowd, I enjoyed Vancouver's Remembrance Day ceremony.

Even more because it was so well attended; and so well appreciated. When the Bach Choir opened with "In Flanders Fields" there was not a sound, except a muffled sob.

At 11 am, the chaplain prayed and Last Post was bugled. Complete, reverent silence in downtown Vancouver for two long minutes, punctuated by the field guns firing a salute from the waterfront.

I was pleased, proud and surprised at my native city's Remembrance Day this year. Though not a militarist, I was impressed by the continuous applause as veterans marched down Cambie to the Cenotaph before the ceremony...

... and the march out, west on Hastings Street after. Younger service people led the retreat: in red serge RCMP, sky-blue RCAF, white-capped Navy blue, and dark green Army dress. Preceded by pipers, our Canadian protectors marched in parade-perfect unison.

Folks applauded them again, with sincere hand claps that went on until the last marcher turned up Richards Street to disperse.

[Barnacle]

I've always appreciated that Canada puts forth as much as it does for Remembrance Day. Down here in the states, it's sad how few are aware of it.

I got asked by the captain of another watch on Sunday, "what's with the flower?"

Last time I was in Canada near Remembrance Day, I was at a hockey game and they had a WWII vet riding shotgun on the Zamboni. The crowd applauded as the 'Boni went by, but I'm proud to report I started the standing ovation.

[Northern Exploration]

Other issues asside, our involvement in Afganistan has made Canadians more aware and I think even more proud of our involvement overseas both current and in the past. Every time a fallen soldier is brought home to the Trenton Canadian Forces Base and brought to the Coroners building in downtown Toronto the cortege is met by the public paying respects. From pulling over to the curb/shoulder and standing at attention as the procession passes, to lining overpasses on the highway, to standing at the intersections, the public reaction has been quite nice to see. I think that is reflected by the increased turnouts to events like this.