Remembrance Day Ceremony at National War Memorial draws thousands
People pay respects at Ottawa's National War Memorial and at commemorations across the country
OTTAWA, Nov. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Canadians paid their respects to Canada's Fallen by taking part in ceremonies across the country today, many joining the National Remembrance Day Ceremony organized by The Royal Canadian Legion at the National War Memorial.
Tens of thousands of people filled the grounds and streets around the National War Memorial, to remember and thank those who have given their lives in the military service of their country. Many thousands more joined through the Legion's live Facebook feed for the second year in a row, to witness the ceremony and the laying of symbolic wreaths.
"What our Veterans have done to give us the freedoms we continue to enjoy today, can never be underestimated or forgotten," says Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President David Flannigan. A Virtual Wall of Honour and Remembrance displayed pictures of Canadian Veterans at the national memorial site, giving Canadians a chance to see the faces of fallen Veterans and share thoughts about bravery and sacrifice.
This year's national gathering highlighted the commemoration of several significant military actions including the centennials of the battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, and marked 75 years after the Dieppe Raid.
Today is also the culmination of the Legion's second annual virtual Poppy Drop on Parliament Hill. Since October 27, over 117,000 animated poppies have fallen on the Peace Tower and Centre Block each night, continuing their graceful fall until midnight on Remembrance Day. Each poppy represents one of Canada's fallen. Close to 400,000 people have viewed or commented on the Poppy Drop launch video to date.
About The Royal Canadian Legion
Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada's largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S., Europe and Mexico. With more than 275,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers.
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SOURCE The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command
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