The silence in downtown Montreal contrasted with the usual noise Monday morning. Despite the gray weather and the rain, hundreds of people gathered there to commemorate the sacrifices of the troops. Among them, active members of the Armed Forces, veterans, gathered for the Remembrance Day ceremony at Place du Canada in Montreal.
Posted at 12:01 p.m.
Updated at 3:26 p.m.
Only the cannon fire, the flight of two helicopters and a few tributes broke the silence of those who had come to pray.
Several dignitaries were on hand to pay tribute to the fallen fighters, including Prime Minister François Legault, who, true to tradition, delivered a short statement to the assembled members of the media.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Quebec Premier François Legault and his wife Isabelle Brais lay a wreath alongside veteran Thomas Irvine during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Montreal, Monday, November 11, 2024.
“They were courageous,” he recalled. These people must be remembered. There are some who have lost their lives. You have to think about their family. It’s hard for them, when they are worried, when they receive bad news. »
François Legault wanted to thank the current members of the Canadian Forces. In the current global context, their presence remains important, he assures.
For a while it was thought that there would be no more big wars. When we look at what is happening in Ukraine, in the Middle East, we do not want it, but everything is possible. We must therefore say thank you to those who have the courage to get involved.
François Legault, Premier of Quebec
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The Fusiliers Mont-Royal as well as the musicians of the Royal Highland Regiment played solemn tunes during the ceremony.
In the background, the vice-president of the Quebec division of the Royal Canadian Legion Luc Fortier approves of these words. Too often the importance of strengths is combined with the past, he considers.
“It’s good to see that our Prime Minister sees the importance of the forces. If ever a deployment takes place in the Middle East, it is not impossible that Canada would be part of a coalition on the front, he considers. It is always important to have an army in place, to defend those who do not have the means to do so. »
Mr. Fortier is now enjoying retirement, after 32 years of service, and eight deployments, notably in Haiti, Cyprus and Afghanistan. It was the first time he was in Montreal for Remembrance Day.
For me, Remembrance Day was just a parade when I was younger. Today is an important day to remember my brothers in arms. To remind me that deep down, they did not die in vain.
Luc Fortier, vice-president of the Quebec division of the Royal Canadian Legion
The day also proves to be a lifesaver for veterans struggling with the harmful effects of post-traumatic shock. Luc Fortier is doing well, but has to deal with disturbing memories on a daily basis.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
A soldier in full regalia stands guard during the Remembrance Day ceremony in Place du Canada park in downtown Montreal.
“Today, I am able to help those who do not know how to cope,” he says proudly. Sometimes, we totally think that we imagined what we experienced at the front. To put our clothes back on, to see our medals again, it reminds us that what we experienced did indeed happen. »
“We must never forget those who perished on the front, but also those who returned, who will never be the same,” corroborates the president of the Quebec branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Thomas Irwin.
The ceremony was particularly emotional for Mr. Irwin. The one who was a member of the Black Guard of Canada for 23 years remembers his brothers in arms, but also his father. It was with him that he attended this same ceremony on many occasions, before his death 10 years ago.
“I was always so proud to see him here, in uniform,” he remembers. I miss it a lot. Particularly today. »
A few politicians were on hand to lay wreaths of flowers adorned with red poppies at the foot of the cenotaph at Place du Canada. Among them, the Quebec minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit (left) with other veterans.
He himself served for 30 years, as a regular and reservist.
“I would like to pay tribute to Indigenous veterans,” he told the media. There are more than 12,000 who have served. This is a reality that is little known. »
The ceremony lasted a little over an hour. It ended as hundreds of soldiers marched on René-Lévesque Boulevard, in rhythm, to the notes of a traveling orchestra.
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