Montrealers gather at Place du Canada to honour veterans

About 100 people gathered at Place du Canada in downtown Montreal on Nov. 11 for the city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony, according to Global News, which carried a Canadian Press report. The event honoured Canadians who served or died in uniform, as people across the country marked the day.

The ceremony brought together veterans, military representatives, city officials and other attendees for a public act of remembrance. CityNews reported that the annual event is organized by the Royal Canadian Legion with support from the Canadian Armed Forces.

• About 100 people attended the ceremony at Place du Canada.
• The observances included a parade, a 21-gun salute, wreath-laying and two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
• Speakers connected remembrance with the dangers of war and support for veterans, military families and serving personnel.

How Montreal marked Remembrance Day

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada laid a wreath on behalf of the city, according to the Canadian Press. One wreath honoured four soldiers killed the previous month in a training accident at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. The report said a grass fire swept through a training area, killing the four and injuring 39 others; it did not establish the fire’s cause.

At 11 a.m., attendees observed two minutes of silence marking the moment fighting ended in the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918. CityNews quoted attendee Audrey Seaton saying the ceremony represented the country and brought people together in support of those who serve. Other attendees, Parme Lebertre and Julie Rouette, said they came to support others and remember history.

What attendees said remembrance means

Retired lieutenant-colonel Colin Robinson told the Canadian Press that the day offers a chance to reflect on the dangers of war amid current global tensions. “These things can spiral out of control relatively quickly,” he said, drawing parallels between the lead-up to the two world wars and the present. He added that awareness could lead to less conflict and less war.

CityNews quoted Col. David Shane, commander of 34 Canadian Brigade Group, describing the ceremony as “really touching.” Shane said he had served 33 years as a military reservist and was responsible for more than 2,000 reservists in Greater Montreal. He said the ceremony honours the fallen and thanks those still serving, and urged people not to take their freedoms and values for granted.

The Legion’s remembrance role

CityNews reported that 2026 marks the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th year of service. Terrance Deslage, first vice-president of the Legion’s Quebec Provincial Command, said he hoped the organization would continue for another century. He described its remembrance mission as passing on information to help prevent past mistakes from being repeated.

What it means

The observance honoured those who died in service while also recognizing veterans, military families and people currently serving. Attendees and military representatives described remembrance as both a public tribute and a reason to support living members of the military community.