Montreal honours soldiers in Remembrance Day ceremony

Veterans, cadets and civilians are takingpart in Remembrance Day ceremonies and commemorations across Montreal today to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women of Canada's military.

The Royal Canadian Legion in Quebec helditsofficial Remembrance Day ceremony at Place du Canada in downtown Montreal Friday.

• WestmountHigh remembers:Montreal school lost 141 students and alumni in the Second WorldWar
• PHOTO GALLERY:What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

Canon fire marked the beginning of the moment of silence at 11 a.m., which was followed by a 21-gun salute.

Dennis Fredrickshas notmissed a Remembrance Day ceremony in Montrealsince he returned from the Second World War in 1945. He was just 16 when he enlisted in the army in 1940.

"Well, likeeveryone, you have lots of ups and downs," he said."Friends you're with and you lost. It's all part of war."

"I lost my good pal in the Dieppe raid. He was only 18 when he died."

Still, Fredricks, at age 93, remains thankful for what he does have today.

"I'm in good health. I have a family," he said. "It's a happy day and a sad day in a sense."

Mayor DenisCoderre, Heritage MinisterMlanieJolyand Transport Minister MarcGarneauwere among the dignitaries in attendance and laid wreaths at the base of the cenotaph in the square.

Band plays Hallelujah at Montreal Remembrance Day ceremony

8 years ago

Duration 0:55

As representatives from the Montreal police lay their wreaths, the band performing at a Remembrance Day ceremony in Montreal play Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

As representatives from different organizations laid their wreaths, the band started playing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. The Montrealsinger-songwriter died this week at 82.

• From the ashes of the Quebec City armoury fire to coin of honour

The event has beenheldatMcGillUniversity in recent years. However, this year'sceremonyreturnedto Place du Canada now that renovations there are complete and also due to construction in front ofMcGill'scampus.

There were also ceremonies in other communities across Quebec, includingin Pointe-Claireand at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.