Giving thanks for freedom on Remembrance Day

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, Hamiltonians gathered at Gore Park for the 97th annual Remembrance Day memorial service. It’s the one day of the year set aside to honour those who have fought and died for our country, and the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians.

“A lot of people gave their lives to allow us the freedoms that we experience today. Both of my parents were in the Second World War and I followed them into the military myself,” said Royal Canadian Navy veteran George Roach.

Remembrance Day is a special day for people to reflect on our freedom. For attendees such as Cathy Cormier this day hits close to home.

“Just to be thankful and grateful for the life we have. To me it’s personal, I come from a family of people who served”, she said.

Gore Park was full of grateful Hamiltonians last Wednesday morning, all paying tribute to veterans who risked their own lives for Canadians.

“What can you say, it’s a great turnout and a great feeling to see that many people. To be able to stand in front of that crowd and recite In Flanders Fields as I look at all the faces and all the smiles and the poppies and everything, it means something,” said Roach.

Andrea Horwath, the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party was at the service, and was impressed by the turnout.

“So many Hamiltonians came out to not only respect and remember those who have served on our behalf around the world in conflict and in peace keeping, but those who are still currently serving. It is an important day for us to remember the sacrifices that not only the veterans and the current officers make, but also the families and all the sacrifices they make as well.”