Several hundred soldiers, veterans, elected officials and citizens took part in the three ceremonies which took place in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean to honor veterans.
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It was the first time in a long time that the soldiers from the Bagotville base left their installations for the occasion.
The rain far from dampened the enthusiasm of the troops who came in large numbers to commemorate all those who fell in combat. And they did it big as part of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“This time, for the first time in a long time, we are going off base to do this ceremony to support veterans. In the past, this ceremony was done on the base, but this time, it was all organized by the legion. All the members of the Bagotville base came out en masse. We have more than 300 members here on the parade, another 300 in Arvida and another 200-250 in Alma,” underlines the commander of the Bagotville base, Colonel Philippe Rennison.
“It’s a big logistics. It takes a lot of time and effort, not only with the people at the Bagotville base, but also with the local authorities. We have to travel, there must be a lot of coordination work with the legion as well,” admits Master Corporal Mark Vigneault.
“It is to never forget those who sacrificed their lives for us, for our freedom that we currently have,” says Réjean Allaire, veteran of the royal 22nd regiment.
Tributes and memories
Wreaths were placed at the cenotaph in front of Saguenay city hall in memory of the deceased. Those who fought in the two world wars, those who served on UN missions as well as those who went to Afghanistan.
“I have many companions and very dear friends who will never come back,” remembers veteran Roméo Gagnon.
The 97-year-old makes it a point to be there every year. He is one of the last Canadian veterans who took part in the Korean War.
“I was under the flag for a long time. Today it’s the others’ turn, but I still want to participate. As they say: once a soldier, always a soldier,” he breathes.
“Our veterans are still with us. We have lost many people in the past during World War I, World War II and all the others including Korea and Afghanistan,” said Colonel Philipp Rennison.
Many hope that this initiative will be repeated in future years to honor veterans in a big way.
