Newfoundland Buries Its Unknown Soldier Who Died in World War I

On this Remembrance Day morning, the casket of the Unknown Soldier was escorted through downtown St. John’s to the Newfoundland National War Memorial. Thousands of people attended the solemn ceremony.

Seven young soldiers removed the coffin of the unknown soldier, draped with a Canadian flag, from the hearse. They climbed the steps of the monument, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes, then placed the coffin at the foot of the bronze statues.

Today we commemorate the end of a very long journey, which began more than a century ago when England beckoned and the brave men and women of our proud dominion answered the call.said the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, during the tribute ceremony.

The Governor General of Canada, Mary Simonsaid Canadian soldiers had made many sacrifices in the name of freedom. This unknown soldier represents all the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who fell during the First World War and whose remains have never been identified.she said.

Thousands of brave Canadians never returned. We will remember themassured Justin Trudeau. He added that Canada Day and Remembrance Day are linked, since they both highlight heroes who defended our values.

The Prime Minister of Canada and the Governor General agree that it is important to remember in order to learn the lessons of history.

I think it’s time to go homeconcluded the father Ian Wishart at the end of the ceremony.

A crowd from the early hours

Crowds began to gather in the streets early Saturday morning. Among them, Greg Grover arrived on site around 7 a.m. This spectator, aged about sixty, came to honour the memory of the men of the Newfoundland Regiment who fought during the First World War.

He recalls that these young men had to leave friends, families and everything they knew to go and fight far from home. On July 1, 1916, I think it was around 9:30 in the morning, close to 10:00, they received the order to go to the front.

Greg Grover even sent a thought to the unknown soldier. I don’t know if there’s anyone for you here, but I’m here.According to him, thanks to this ceremony, the soldier will not sink into oblivion.

A feeling of dread seizes the young man James Hawco when he imagines himself in the shoes of a Newfoundland soldier who had to fight in France 100 years ago. He probably wasn’t much older than me.he said. At 19 years old, he said his presence was important on this historic day and showed his gratitude to the unknown soldier. All his sacrifices are memorable.

Pour Ruz Stroeya mother of a veteran who recently moved to Newfoundland, the Unknown Soldier unites all those who have lost a loved one in combat. I have empathy for mothers who never saw their sons return.

Some people can’t hold back their tears. This is the case withElaine Neil-Smith, who sadly recalls the death of his great-uncle during the First World War. But it’s comforting for me to be hereshe assures. Elaine Neil-Smith said she was proud of Canada’s and Newfoundland and Labrador’s commemoration efforts.

With information from Patrick Butler