Thousands of Calgarians participated in Remembrance Day events around the city on Saturday to show their appreciation for armed forces members who died while serving Canada.
Large crowds gathered around the cenotaph in Central Memorial Park, outside The Military Museums and at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for Remembrance Day services.
Rory Cory, senior curator of The Military Museums, said roughly 15,000 people attended this year's event.
“I think we had more than last year which is interesting because last year there was actually better weather,” said Cory. "With Canada150 and the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, I think that probably drew a lot of people out too.”
“It’s great to see this much energy and this much interest from the public.”
Cory says commemorating the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers is increasingly important as the number of living veterans from the First and Second World Wars diminishes.
Following the ceremony at The Military Museums, the museum opened its doors to the public to allow Calgarians to learn more about the contributions of Canadian soldiers during wars and international conflicts.
“We get a third of our attendance in the months of October and November alone and this is the busiest day here at the museum.”
Findley Jull was part of the three generations of the Jull family that attended the ceremony at The Military Museums. The seven-year-old says he understands the life he enjoys is the result of the sacrifices of others.
“People died and they fought for our country and that’s how we’re all safe here now.”
Daniel Bernstein. 16, says he is considering a career in the military and enjoyed Saturday's display of Canadian patriotism. “We’re not from Canada, my parents lived in the Soviet Union, and a lot of our ancestors died in World War II as well.” The teenager attended the ceremony alongside his parents where they reflected on the loss of life.
