Wednesday’s Remembrance Day service in Moncton produced a loud ovation for former Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers for his role in ending last year’s siege of Parliament Hill.
“A very respectful thing to do,” said attendee Charlotte Hartley. “As we all know, he did a very brave, courageous thing.”
Vickers says he is simply proud to honour Canada's veterans, as he does every year.
“And of course, the three brave members of the RCMP that responded so bravely on the 4th of June, 2014,” said Vickers.
The date won't soon be forgotten in Moncton. The RCMP was on the minds of many of the 5,000 in attendance from the Greater Moncton area.
“You can go to a lot of cenotaphs, you can go to a lot of places and you will not see the turnout that you see (in Greater Moncton). These people seem to get it,” said Gene Seaman, president of the C.A.V. Motorcycle Unit.
The singing of O Canada by the Greater Moncton Ecumenical Children's Choir began the annual Remembrance Day service at the Coliseum. Then the Last Post, a moment of silent reflection, and dozens of wreaths laid at the base of a large cross.
Representing Silver Cross Mothers at Wednesday’s ceremony was Peggy Doiron, the mother of Sgt. Andrew Doiron, who was killed in action in Iraq in March. He was the first Canadian casualty in the fight against ISIS.
Ninety-four-year-old Ken Richardson is a veteran of the Second World War. He says it's important to him to see the arena filled each year.
“Well they've got to have some idea of what we went through, that's all. Not only me, there's hundreds here,” said Richardson.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie.
