On The March

 I attended the national service at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day. Two days prior, a snowstorm had left snow around the city, and it was of course still here. My preferred spot for these days is a spot on the northwest corner of Confederation Square. During the vigil beforehand, while people gather, a member of each service- Army, Navy, Air Force, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police- stand at post at the corners of the War Memorial.

The pipes and drums lead the flag bearers and veterans in from Wellington Street, while the bulk of other marchers come in from their mustering point in the Cartier Square Drill Hall to the south.

Flag bearers are a mix of veterans and cadets.

The ceremony is deeply meaningful, with traditions like the 21 gun salute, the moment of silence, the laying of wreaths, music, recitation of appropriate verse from veterans in three languages, and remarks by military chaplains, including a benediction. Among those wreaths that are placed is one by the Silver Cross Mother- a tradition dating back a century, and this year with a mother whose son died in active duty in the Afghan War. The pipes and drums lead the way out for the veterans afterwards. Around eleven, what had started as an overcast day started to see some breakup in the clouds, with blue sky showing itself here and there.

Behind the veterans march active duty servicemen and women, both specific units and from each branch of the service locally, given that the capital is a headquarters city. It even includes the RCMP.