Monday, November 13, 2017

A Salute To The Fallen

In the evenings leading up to Remembrance Day again this year, Centre Block on Parliament Hill was illuminated by a projection of poppies descending its architecture from six until midnight. Have a look at my video if you want to see this in motion.


That same evening I walked over to the War Memorial and photographed its statues in the spotlight.


This is a view of those statues from November 10th. Preparations around the Memorial for the following day's service had been well underway.


The following day I took up my usual spot northwest of the Memorial before the Remembrance Day service. Pipers from the military led the veterans out from this spot in the lead-up to the beginning of the event. Members of each service- army, navy, and air force, along with one Mountie- stand sentry at each corner of the Memorial throughout the service.


The ceremony, consisting of music, prayers and remarks in French and English (and even a First Nations language), the 21 gun salute by the field artillery, a fly past by fighter jets, and the placing of wreaths, was followed by the march past of the assembly, led by the pipers again. The veterans, members of each service branch, Mounties, students at the Royal Military College in Kingston, cadets, the Governor General's guards, and the artillery moved down this way for a march past the Governor General herself, who had participated in the ceremony.


Afterwards members of the public could come up and place wreaths or poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As you can see, it was quite packed, so I did that later in the day after coming back from the War Museum. I will have more from this day in the coming days.

28 comments:

  1. I fear that poppies are being forgotten in the U.S. This was a very distinguished procession.

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  2. Prayers in three languages. Love an event with multiple languages.

    Janis
    GDP

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  3. What a beautiful sight the poppies on the building made.

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  4. Wonderful shots of the ceremony William, I can imagine how moving it was. Love the bagpipes. Enjoyed the video too.

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  5. Hello, the poppies are lovely. Wonderful post and tribute to the veterans. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!

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  6. Wonderful to see the poppies fall down in your video.

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  7. The Ottawa ceremonies are always impressive.

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  8. @Kay: the poppies were out in force here.

    @Francisco: thank you.

    @Tom: that it is.

    @Janis: it was quite a day.

    @Janey: they definitely were.

    @Grace: it was quite moving.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @Jan: thanks!

    @Red: they are.

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  9. A lovely post. I really like the poppies!

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  10. A wonderful way to observe Remembrance Day. The projected poppies is a great idea.

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  11. A wonderful tribute, very moving.

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  12. @Lois: so do I.

    @Christine: I was glad to see it return. I doubt it'll be on that spot next year with the work that'll be underway.

    @Lady Fi: it certainly is.

    @Sharon: it was impressive.

    @RedPat: we had good- but cold- weather for the service.

    @Bill: it seems to be done just right each year, and many people come out for it.

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  13. What an elegant tribute to the Veterans and awesome photos ~ love the bagpipes!

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  14. You sure wouldn't want to be drunk and suddenly look up to see those images on the building. :-O

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  15. Looks like it was a great ceremony.
    I love the poppies in the first picture!

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  16. Those poppies descending must have been magnificent, like everything else you've shared with us. Thanks William.

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  17. Where have all the young men gone, Gone for soldiers every one. When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?

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  18. sorry i am late, busy day yesterday. playing catch up. i love your outfits. gorgeous colors. ( ;

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  19. Great photos William! Also the video.

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  20. This is just wonderful, and the projection of poppies very special.
    Thanks for the video link too.

    All the best Jan

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  21. @Carol: it is always done well here.

    @Revrunner: they could be confusing to the inebriated!

    @Tamago: so do I.

    @Denise: you're welcome.

    @Mari: definitely.

    @Linda: an appropriate lyric for the occasion.

    @Beth: thanks!

    @Pat: thank you.

    @Jan: you're welcome.

    @Klara: thanks!

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