Today, Canadians come together to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in uniform, many of whom gave their lives defending the country’s core values and freedoms.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon will lead the national ceremony at Ottawa’s National War Memorial, where they will lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen. Joining them is Maureen Anderson, this year’s Silver Cross Mother from New Brunswick, who represents the families of those who have lost loved ones in service. Anderson’s two sons, Sgt. Ron Anderson and Sgt. Ryan Anderson, both served in Afghanistan and later succumbed to battles with post-traumatic stress disorder.
At cenotaphs and monuments across Canada, the haunting notes of the Last Post will ring out as Canadians observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These ceremonies also pay tribute to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to serve and protect today.