ARTICLE: HUNDREDS IGNORE RAIN TO ATTEND REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES IN FREDERICTON

Hundreds of Frederictonians ignored heavy rain Monday to attend Remembrance Day services at the Provincial Cenotaph in the city’s downtown.

Soldiers paraded and wreaths were laid in honour of military members both past and present.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4 President Don Swain reminded those in attendance of the sacrifices made over the years by soldiers.

As in past services, the Last Post was played followed by two minutes of silence, the latter of which is described by the Legion as “the most sacrosanct and central element in Remembrance.”

In a news release, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said Nov. 11 honours the extraordinary contributions of those who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and values.

“We commend our veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their steadfast bravery and deep sense of duty, which have earned them the highest respect of our nation and our allies worldwide,” Simon said.

The Governor General urged Canadians to learn from the lessons of the past and work towards a future of peace and understanding.?

“To those who have fallen, Canada remembers.”

The Fredericton service, which included a sea of colourful umbrellas, was held in temperatures that hovered near or at 11 C.

The rain stopped at around 11 a.m.

The First World War ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.