Scaled-down Remembrance Day ceremony still a moving tribute - Action News
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Scaled-down Remembrance Day ceremony still a moving tribute

The Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa was smaller and a little quieter this year,but it was nevertheless a moving tribute to thosewho served and sacrificed their lives for Canada.

There was no parade and few attendees, but Canada still honoured its fallen

Wayne MacCulloch, past national president of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, salutes after laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2020. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

The Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa was smaller and a little quieter this year,but it was nevertheless a moving tribute to thosewho served and sacrificed their lives for Canada.

The usual parade of veterans and serving military personnel was cancelled because of COVID-19, and many of the wreaths were laid ahead of time. To avoid the usual crowds, the Royal Canadian Legion and Ottawa police had asked people to watch the ceremony from home, but some turned out anyway.

Some traditions held fast, however: a bugler played the Last Post as dignitariesincluding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Julie Payettepaid tribute to the fallen.

As Wayne MacCulloch, past national president of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, told CBCafter laying a wreath, "Remembrance is not about being here, but about something in your heart."

Here's a look at what Remembrance Day looked like in the capital this Nov. 11.

Sentries stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the first Remembrance Day ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Sgt. Chris Gerdei performed the Last Post as part of the Remembrance Day ceremony in the nation's capital. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
While Canadians were encouraged to stay home this year, some still turned out at the National War Memorial to see the ceremony in person. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grgoire Trudeau pay their respects after laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
It wasn't the usual blanket of red, but a few people still laid poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier this year. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada's chief of the defence staff, looks on as the Remembrance Day ceremony begins at the National War Memorial. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
Many wreaths were laid at The National War Memorial in advance of this year's small ceremony due to COVID-19. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
'Remembrance is not about being here, but about something in your heart,' MacCulloch told CBC. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)
As has been tradition in recent years, two people lay their poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the end of the Remembrance Day ceremony. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)

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