The gray sky seemed to add richness to the notes of the bagpipes that echoed through the historic Riverbend neighborhood. Regional elected officials, veterans, representatives of public security services, relatives of veterans, and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces crowded together, in the rain, near the memorial monument.
Around ten of them laid wreaths of flowers at the foot of the cenotaph, highlighting the dedication of the soldiers who died or were injured in combat. The president of Legion 276, Mario Fortin, took the opportunity to recall the full value of this sacrifice made in the name of peace.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces paraded through the Riverbend neighborhood before the start of the ceremony. (Katherine Boulianne/Le Quotidien)
“Even today, those who serve our country know the price to pay for this peace, and are prepared to suffer the consequences should their duty require it. Through the various conflicts that are exploding across the space of our planet, we must question this peace which has already been achieved, but for how much longer? One day or another, we will have to invest in maintaining this peace. Will we have the courage to face this challenge?” asked Mr. Fortin.
In Saguenay, the commitment of veterans was recognized by the passage of three aircraft from the 3rd Wing / CFB Bagotville. Two CF-18s flew low over Citizen’s Square during the ceremony, while a CH-146 Griffon did the same in Arvida.
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