Hundreds of Hamiltonians honour veterans at cenotaph

Hundreds gathered outside the cenotaph today to honor our veterans as well as our current service men and women.

There was a moment of silence at 11 this morning and then wreaths were laid — on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 the ceasefire went into effect ending the first world war.

Remembrance day is now a time to honor all those who have served and continue to serve.

In Hamilton, Ont. veterans, current service members and the public observed a somber silence.

Michael Rehill, Chair of the Hamilton Veterans Committee says “ if the people didn’t come, there wouldn’t be a reason to have a ceremony.

“It’s heart warming to me that all the time that I and the committee spend planning these events that the citizens of Hamilton come out and support and show they respect the sacrifice of those who have come before them,” he said.

READ MORE: ‘You don’t need to be a veteran to be a member’: Royal Canadian Legion

Rod Paddon Hamilton Veterans Committee says “it warms my heart that members of the public still honor those who have come before us.”

Members of the public had their own reasons coming out and honoring our veterans.

“I just reflect back on the sacrifices that everyone made during all the wars, as a mother I can’t imagine what the other mothers are going through who lost their sons or daughters in wars.” Paddon said.

According to Statistics Canada, over 2.3 million Canadians have served in our country’s military over our 158-year history, with more than 118,000 people making the ultimate sacrifice.

Yuri Hladio, Chaplain, Canadian Armed Forces said Remembrance Day is actually a remarkable day in Canadian society.

“Because we actually just tell people stop, stand still for two minutes,” Hladio said. “That’s all we are asking is to focus on the sacrifices of those who have come before us.”

The cenotaph in Hamilton is more than 100 years old.

It was built back in 1922 to honor those who were killed during the first world war and over the years has become the place to honour all of those from the city who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

READ MORE: Hamilton church members knit, crochet nearly 2,500 poppies to honour veterans