Vancouver Remembrance Day ceremony draws massive crowds
B.C. stood still for two minutes Tuesday morning in recognition of Remembrance Day
With the sounds of bagpipes piercing through the air thousands of people came to remember. A massive crowd packed in and around Vancouver's cenotaph.
The sombre ceremony took on special significance this year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and follows the recent killings of two Canadian soldiers in Ontario and Quebec.
Remembrance Day in Vancouver began with the Generation To Generation ceremony and the lighting of the cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza at 8:30 a.m. PT.
The ceremony at the cenotaph in Victory Square began at 9:45 a.m. with a performance by the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir.
The Last Post was sounded at 11:00 a.m. followed by two minutes of silence. The Rouse and Lament followed.
Second World War veteran Don Easton was there to take part.
"It was quite exciting, to see it occur. It was heartfelt, very enjoyable," he told the CBC's Richard Zussman.
Hundreds of people lined up after the ceremony to lay down their poppies alongside the dozens of wreaths at the cenotaph.
Rhona Gordon, whose son served two terms in Afghanistan, said it was emotional to hear the crowds cheer during the parade of soldiers.
"I think the applause is incredibly uplifting for them and for those watching. It is an incredible experience to be here."
More Remembrance Day resources
- Remembrance Day events in B.C.'s Lower Mainland 2014
- Remembrance Day draws bigger crowds, higher emotions in 2014
- Remembrance Day in Canada: Livestream, watch, listen on CBC
- #HowIRemember: Canadians share videos, photos
- More CBC News coverage | Remembrance Day
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With files from the Canadian Press