Remembrance Day in New Brunswick

Canadians and Americans today are joining together in honoring those who have served in uniform in the countries’ militaries. Remembrance Day in Canada, like Veterans Day in the U.S. has been carried on since the armistice of November 11, 1918 that ended the conflict in World War I. This year, since Nov. 11 fell on a Sunday, the observance extends to Monday. Government offices, banks, post offices and schools are closed today on both sides of the border.

There are presently about 120,000 veterans of World War II in Canada and nearly 700,000 who have served in the Canadian Forces since then. In New Brunswick Premier David Alward’s message for Remembrance Day, he observed, “More than 100,000 Canadians have died in wars and peacekeeping missions and more than a million have served in conflicts and on peacekeeping missions throughout the world so we can enjoy the free, vibrant Canada we know today.”

Alward said, “While our veterans of the Second World War and Korea are fewer in number each year, we, as Canadians and New Brunswickers, will continue to join with them and with our veterans of Afghanistan, in remembering and honouring their legacy.”

Several Remembrance Day events were held across New Brunswick on Sunday, including ceremonies in Woodstock, Plaster Rock and Fredericton.