 Grade 7 students Lyle Preston and Dana Deline of Susanna Moodie Elementary School in Belleville, Ont. take a break from raking leaves at the city's Memorial Park to read the names local soldiers who died in the Frist World War, on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. (Luke Hendry/SUN MEDIA)
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Canada's Remembrance Day ceremony will have a royal touch today as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla join the poppy-wearing crowd paying tribute to the country's fallen.
Thousands are expected to spill into the streets surrounding the National War Memorial in the capital, where the Prince will gather with elderly veterans, students and dignitaries in a solemn ceremony to mourn the sacrifice of war.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who will be joined by wife Laureen and his children Ben and Rachel, said Canadians are united in remembrance and gratitude.
"On this Remembrance Day, we pause to remember the courage and sacrifice of those Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen and airwomen who served to defend our nation and fight tyranny, injustice and terror," he said in a prepared statement. "Canada is proud of its forces. The world has seen the bravery of our service men and women at Vimy Ridge, on Normandy beaches, in Korean hills and in countless other missions throughout the world. When the cause is just, Canada has always been there to defend freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."
PAST SACRIFICES
Harper said Canada's heritage is a legacy handed down from those who made past sacrifices -- a legacy that is carried on today by Canadians serving in Afghanistan and other hot spots.
Wilf Edmond, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, has seen a surge in remembrance -- spearheaded by the dedication of remains of the Unknown Soldier and greater awareness from Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
"It made the younger crowd more aware that there is war, and war is not good," he said. "In order for freedom to come to those countries, sacrifices need to be made."
Aging veterans have garnered greater respect in recent years and have become more willing to share their stories with the younger generation, he said.
Nicole Vair of Saint John, N.B., who is in Ottawa through an Encounters Canada program, said Remembrance Day is a chance to reflect on how lucky Canadians are to live in a free society -- and to thank those who made it possible.
"We are fortunate for what they gave to us. It is a time to remember," she said.
Gowtham Kanthan, a 17-year-old Saskatoon student, will reflect on the sacrifice.
"They fought. They didn't know us or what our country would become, but they knew they were fighting for something great and they gave their lives for it," he said.
KATHLEEN.HARRIS@SUNMEDIA.CA
