Remembrance Day on Monday was cold and overcast. There would be snow by mid afternoon. I attended the national service, taking up a position northwest of the War Memorial. Pipes and drums of the Canadian military led the way before the service for the veterans.
The veterans themselves followed.
This view, looking down Elgin, shows some of the crowds packed on that side of the street. I was positioned on a traffic island on Wellington
Looking back from where I was standing, a screen had been set up beside East Block. The area immediately around it has been largely cordoned off due to the work going on at this portion of Parliament Hill, otherwise you would typically see people on the slope on Remembrance Day.
The service is done in English and in French, with the inclusion of a First Nations language as well. Military chaplains offer up prayers and benedictions, military music is played, including the Last Post, and wreaths are laid at the War Memorial.
Afterwards the march out commences, with the pipers and drummers leading the way. The march past goes up this way past the reviewing stand, where the governor general is positioned.
The veterans follow them.
And then there are the active military units and cadets, who arrived on site from the south before the service. The Ceremonial Guard are among them, in their grey winter coats.
Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force followed.
And then the Army.
And the Navy.
More units march past.
The march past includes the Mounties. Tomorrow I return to the Memorial for an evening visit.
Loved all the different uniform, might have been a tad chilly for the kilt wearers though! Great photos William.
ReplyDeleteAll different uniforms make the parade so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos William.
A tribute for sure. Pipes and drums, my friend T would love that!
ReplyDeleteA great tribute!
ReplyDeleteSo many people in the parade and quite a crowd watching despite the cold weather.
ReplyDeleteMuito interessante, gostei de ver e aproveito para desejar a continuação de uma boa semana.
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Nice ceremony and parade.
ReplyDeleteA nice parade and great tribute.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, it seems appropriate for remembrance day to be cold and overcast. It looks like you covered a lot of territory.
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP
Nice tribute. It's been ages since I saw photos of the Canadian Mounties.
ReplyDelete...lovely colors and pomp!
ReplyDeleteI feel cold just looking at the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI watched the ceremony on tv. Burrr...but so well done!
ReplyDeletevery cool ... but looks like a cold day!! love the red. ( ;
ReplyDeleteWonderful parade and tribute! Wishing you a happy day!
ReplyDeleteBless them all
ReplyDelete@Gemel: chilly indeed for them.
ReplyDelete@Ella: thank you.
@Iris: I like the pipes and drums.
@Lady Fi: definitely.
@John: people do come out for this. They do tend to concentrate particularly around the southern portions of the memorial.
@Francisco: thank you.
@Jan: that it was.
@Marianne: very much so.
@Janis: I did indeed.
@Sami: we see Mounties here a lot, but in their utility uniforms as opposed to the red serge most people think of.
@Tom: that it was.
@Anvilcloud: tomorrow will be even more so.
@Marie: it was quite something. The chaplain who gives the benediction has been doing it most years for the last few years. He's a local rabbi aside from being a military chaplain- retired mostly, as I understand it- and quite eloquent.
@Beth: the red serge stands out.
@Eileen: thank you!
@Maywyn: definitely.
Lovely shots. I had a doctor's appointment, so we taped the ceremony and watched in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteNice Remembrance Day parade. Thanks for all the great pictures. :-)
ReplyDeleteNow that's a parade (and ceremony) to be proud of! But to be expected in the capitol...and very nicely captured. You got a good spot to see it all go by. Was there any music? Keeping marching is easier if there's a beat of drums somewhere.
ReplyDeleteYou had a n excellent viewing location, William!
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed by how well attended this event is. That is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteVery colorful and active. We need to be reminded of the sacrifices of the past.
ReplyDelete@Jennifer: thank you.
ReplyDelete@DJan: you're welcome.
@Barbara: music was throughout.
@RedPat: it's my usual spot, I've found.
@Sharon: it is well attended each year.
@Red: we do, yes.
An Amazing Television Screen There - Glad To See You Attending These Every Year
ReplyDeleteCheers
Nice photos of the event, William.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the event, I like all the different uniforms.
ReplyDeleteAn impressive Remembrance Day ceremony.
ReplyDeleteWhat a grand parade!
ReplyDeletePipes and drums! My hubby is a bagpiper. :) That looks like a good group.
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of the parade William, an excellent turnout! Everyone in the parade look so smart ✨
ReplyDeletewow! Quite impressive and regal honoring ~ great photos ^_^
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
@Padre: it is something I've committed myself to doing.
ReplyDelete@Marleen: thank you!
@Bill: as did I.
@Alexandria: it is.
@Lois: very much so.
@Sandi: they play well.
@Grace: it is quite an occasion.
@Carol: thank you!
Wonderfully documented!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteTo watch them all march out must be heart bursting.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteWOW!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's quite something to see in person.
DeleteWonderful photographs of the event William, lovely post.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you.
DeleteWonderful photos of the parade:)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteAwe.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
Delete