Tony West got to the Gander Heritage Memorial Park early on Monday.
Standing off to the side, West wasn’t alone. To his right was his son, Zack.
West was hoping to show his son why Remembrance Day is so important.
“I’m trying to teach him about the importance of everything, all our military and what they’ve done for us and the reason that we’re here today,” said West.
The Wests were just two of the hundreds of people that made their way to the war memorial in the central Newfoundland community on Nov. 11.
They weren’t driven away by grey skies or the soft rain that fell from above.
Those there to remember were joined by municipal, provincial and federal officials, along with representatives from the Canadian military, cadet squadrons, police and others.
It was one of thousands such ceremonies taking place across the country.
As there are on Nov. 11, there were dozens of wreaths laid at the base of Gander’s memorial. The wreaths, along with stirring renditions of The Last Post served to remember those who paid their lives in the service of their country and those who continue to serve.
That brings us back to West.
His presence at the Gander ceremony was his way of paying tribute to the family members and friends of his who served.
“I wanted to pay respects to them and pay respects to the fallen soldiers … that gave us the freedoms and ability to come out and do this,” said West.
One of those good friends was standing meters away from West.
Tyson Tulk served several years in the Canadian military before an ankle injury sustained while on deployment meant he could no longer serve.
Having that connection for meant the ceremony playing out in front of him meant something deeper.
“I just think it is important to remember everything people did in the past. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have now. People need to remember that,” said Tulk.
https://www.thecentralvoice.ca/news/local/hundreds-out-for-remembrance-day-ceremony-in-gander-374726/
