Beaconsfield pays tribute to soldiers, war veterans at Heroes Park
Annual ceremony honours war veterans at Heroes' Park
The City of Beaconsfield was one of many Montreal communities that came together this weekend to honour the service and sacrifice of soldiers and war veterans.
Veterans, cadets and civilians took part in a ceremony at Heroes' Park on Sunday afternoon ahead of Remembrance Day.
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"It's amazing how we as a community can come together to remember for those who fought for something that they believed was right," said Cadet Kevin Broadley.
Many who fought and died in past conflicts were no older than the cadets present at the ceremony. Joe Maxwell joined the army at age 18 and went on to serve in Burma.
"War's a hell of a thing, that's all I can say," he said.
It's hard for him to talk about past battles and his experiences, but he takes the time to remember those who served alongside him.
"I think of comrades that's passed on and I give them a bit of thought. Lots of good lads," he said.
For many, the annual ceremony is important to ensure the memories and the sacrifices of war veterans continue to live on.
"I'm humbled by how many come out to these events," said Broadley.
Guy Vallières, the national vice chair of Royal Canadian Air Force Association, attends the ceremony every year. He hopes future generations will continue to honour the service of the men and women of Canada's military.
"We count on these guys to carry the torch for us," he said.
Beaconsfield wasn't the only city to hold a ceremony ahead of Remembrance Day. The communities of Notre-Dame-de-Grace and Westmount also came together to honour the sacrifices made by veterans and soldiers of today's armed forces.
More tributes will be held across Montreal this week.
With files from Simon Nakonechny