At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day on the eleventh month, the city of London took a moment to recognize the fallen soldiers that sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom.
Remembrance day is not only important to recognize fallen soldiers, but to recognize the officers that serve us today as well.
“I think it’s important to remember the sacrifices and remember those who served before us and who are still serving. Remember what they’ve done for our country.” says acting public affairs officer for the 31st Canadian brigade group Corporal Aidan Stetsinger.
London Cenotaph Ceremony
Credit: Mayan Correia
Corporal Stetsinger continued to talk about important ways for Londoners to better understand the day that honours soldiers.
“Speak to some local veterans, potentially the Legion, just to get an understanding of what their service was like and what sacrifices they made for our country.”
It’s important to understand not only the sacrifices made by soldiers within the Canadian army, but the work that is required of them for a day to day as well according to Corporal Gao with the 31st Canadian battalion.
“I sacrifice a lot of my time, and it’s not an easy job to be honest with you. I’ve worked at other jobs before and I can tell you nothing’s like the army.”
“The hardship, the amount of training that we go to, waking up at 2 a.m. in the morning to work, to fulfill our duty is especially important.”
Corporal Gao also spoke on how important it was to see so many people turn out to London’s ceremony, as well as why this year meant more to him than previous years.
London cenotaph with decorated wreaths
Credit: Mayan Correia
“Knowing that we gather here to remember, pay respect to the ones that give up their lives, the reason I’m still standing here talking to you, right? It’s appreciated.”
“My buddy from the army just died a few months ago, he died in August when he was on course in CFB Gagetown. It had a lot of impact on me. I’m just taking the time to come over and appreciate what he did for this country and remember him, right? That’s all that matters. I miss him.”
Officers like Corporal Gao all gathered at London’s Victoria Park as well as many citizens of London with an amazing turnout of around 1,000 people.
Veterans were able to place honorary wreaths all around the cenotaph, during and after the ceremony had taken place as well as two minutes of silence to remember the soldiers who have passed.
