The impact of sacrifices new and old was not lost on the hundreds of people who gathered at Victory Square yesterday for Vancouver's Remembrance Day ceremony.
Only the buzzing of warplanes and distant echo of sirens broke the silence as Vancouverites collectively remembered veterans who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, Korea and Afghanistan, and other conflicts around the world.
"It's just important because the things some of these men have seen and done, it gave us the life we lead now," said Craig Mooney, who brought his young son, Kevin, to the ceremony. "I don't think a lot of people realize how lucky they are, so I wanted to bring my son down so he can understand a bit more and appreciate what we have."
Many people in the crowd left feeling a sense of pride in their country and those who protect it.
"For me, it's about gratitude as much as it is remembrance," said Ron Beram, whose family moved to Canada from Croatia when he was young. "The Second World War had a very profound effect on my family. When I see veterans and young people and servicemen ... turning their minds to such an important, profound event, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel proud and thankful."
