Remembrance Day honoured in Calgary
Calgarians observed Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city on Monday, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.
There were eight different events planned for Nov. 11 in the city to remember the end of hostilities during the First World War as well as the sacrifices of all veterans in the Canadian military.
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Brian Desjardins, executive director of the Hangar Flight Museum, hoped the event would convey respect to all of those who serve in Canada's armed forces.
"Thank you for joining us on this special day on Nov. 11," he said.
"I'd like to give thanks to our speakers, our performers and our special guests for coming to our service today."
The service was attended by an estimated 1,000 people and included speeches from several political dignitaries and past members of the Canadian armed forces.
Honorary Col. John E. Melbourne of the RCAF said while many world conflicts are in the past, there is still much uncertainty given current conflicts.
"Not all nations enjoy the peace and security we do in Canada," he said.
"During the past 150 years over 1.5 million Canadians have worn the uniforms of the Canadian forces in conflicts overseas. More than 120,000 have not come home."
Melbourne also spoke of fighting in Ukraine, calling it "a new threat."
"It is likely to persist well into the future," he said.
"As Canadian veterans did in the past, Canada's armed forces carry the torch of freedom around the world and put their lives on the line in far lands and they should be recognized."
Each day this month, veterans and supporters have been gathering at the Field of Crosses on Memorial Drive to honour different sections of Canadian military members.
Other ceremonies included:
- Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14 Ave. N.W.);
- King's Own Calgary Regiment (137 Battalion Memorial, North Glenmore Park);
- Studio Bell National Music Centre (300-851, 4 St. S.E.);
- The Military Museums (4520 Crowchild Tr. S.W.);
- Canadian Pacific Memorial (CP Memorial Square, 7550 Ogden Dale Rd. S.E.); and
- Calgary Highlanders Remembrance Day parade (Central Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
Admission to the museum will be by donation after the ceremony. Donations to the Veterans Association Food Bank are also welcomed.
A veteran's perspective
One of the veterans who attended the Calgary Highlanders Remembrance Day parade was Paul Franklin.
He served 12 years as a combat medic, including two tours—one in Kabul and another in Kandahar.
In 2006, his vehicle was attacked in Kandahar.
"I lost my left leg. My right leg was torn apart," said Franklin.
"It's the worst possible feeling in the world to go through this and then to have your family go through it as well."
One member of his operation died that day; others were also badly wounded.
For Franklin, Remembrance Day is a time of reflection of all those he has served with.
"I've served with, fought with, Canadian, American, Australian, you name it. We got to do some pretty amazing things and, unfortunately, there's (soldiers who) fall across the board and it's difficult," said Franklin.
"I was at my sister's school, and I was looking at all the crosses from the Afghan war, and I pointed out 20 people that I worked with that were close friends."
As battles rage on in Ukraine and the Middle East, Franklin believes peace is something worth fighting for.
"We have to fight sometimes, and then when we do, we have to do it well and do it effectively," said Franklin.
"I want people to drop the division and hate and just start thinking of what we can do as a society together."
(With files from Mason DePatie)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Overwhelmed families surrendering custody of their children to CAS
Last week, Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas told the Ontario Legislature about a mother in her riding who gave up guardianship of her eight-year-old, high-needs daughter to the Children’s Aid Society (CAS).
Trump's defence choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host's experience
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.
W5 investigation How did thieves steal your car? Maybe with a device they ordered online
Digital devices that a Toronto-area police department warns are used in the most common method of stealing cars are for sale online for anyone to buy, a W5 investigation has found.
Trump's appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada
Donald Trump's second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada's border.
Japanese owner of 7-Eleven receives another offer to rival Couche-Tard bid
The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven says it has received a new management buyout proposal from a member of the family that helped found the company.
Loblaw Companies reports Q3 profit up from year ago, revenue also higher
Loblaw Companies Ltd. reported its third-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago, boosted by the reversal of a charge at its President's Choice Bank after a Federal Court of Appeal decision.
Nearly 80 per cent of Canadians use winter tires: survey
Almost four out of five Canadian drivers switch to winter tires when the weather calls for them, according to a new survey.
South Korean actor Song Jae-lim found dead at 39
Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas 'Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'Queen Woo,' was found dead at his home in capital Seoul. He was 39.
John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive
John Krasinski is People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024.