Remembrance Day in St. John’s will feature the redesigned war memorial.
Mohammad Fuaz Khan
Kicker News
As Remembrance Day approaches, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have a renewed place of reflection.
The recent entombment of the province’s Unknown Soldier at the newly refurbished War Memorial in St. John’s will feature in the ceremony this year for the first time. The Unknown Soldier, a Newfoundland regiment member who died in France during the First World War, now rests in a tomb at the heart of the memorial, a solemn reminder of the ultimate sacrifice.
Anne Marie Grenning, manager of branch No. 1, emphasized the emotional impact of bringing the Unknown Soldier home will have on Saturday’s Remembrance Day ceremonies as the clock strikes 11 a.m.
“This gives the community a place to come together and honour those who served and never returned home,” she said. “The Unknown Soldier reminds us of the countless stories we’ll never know but must always remember.”
Royal Canadian Legion branch No. 1 president and veteran, Trent Chaytor, says the Unknown Soldier embodies the spirit of remembrance.
“This year’s ceremony will be especially meaningful with the Unknown Soldier in place,” said Chaytor, who served almost two decades in the army and navy. “He represents the sacrifices veterans have made across generations, and on Remembrance Day, we honour both those who didn’t come back and those who are with us now.”
While the normal laying of wreathes and a veteran’s slow march will be at the centre of the ceremony, a moment of silence will be held to recognize the Unknown Soldier.
“The Unknown Soldier is a powerful symbol, but veterans still face challenges,” he said. “Remembrance Day isn’t just about the past, it’s about supporting our veterans now.”
Grenning echoed this sentiment, highlighting the legion’s efforts to assist veterans with housing, mental health support, and a sense of community.
“The memorial helps us remember, but the work we do supports veterans as they navigate civilian life. We’re here for them every day, not just on Remembrance Day,” she said.
Thank you, Mohammad, for a very well-written story about veterans. Your story invokes intense patriotism and pride amongst all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for our veterans and the ones still deployed, far from home. The Unknown Soldier is the ultimate symbol of those who never made it home and is a stark reminder of the men and women who are willing to give their lives for their country. You portray it beautifully in your article. Your photos are a testament to not only your ability as a journalist but also a photographer.
I salute you…
Sharon