I didn't go to the Remembrance Day Ceremony with the intention of shooting video, but sometimes it seems like the right thing to do, so I ended up capturing some clips.
There are hymns, laying of wreaths, calling of names of the dead, and a bit of the march out, all from not a terrific vantage point. At about 23 seconds in, I couldn't stop from shaking the camera when the gun went off, even though I was expecting it. Strangely enough, the gun isn't loud in the video, but it was really horrendously loud.
Then at 5PM we gathered back for the 100 Bells ceremony. All across the land, church bells rang — 100 bells, 1 for each year since the original bell ringing to celebrate the end of the war to end all wars. Sadly, it didn't.
One attendee was 105 years old and remembers her father taking her to hear the ringing of the bells 100 years ago. How stirring is that?!
Sometimes, in Canada, we get things right. This was one of those times.
The bells were wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThere was a Bells ceremony here too but I didn't go. But I was at our local War Memorial for the 11am Remembrance Service.
ReplyDeleteThat was wonderful! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt is so very important to remember and thank those who served.
ReplyDeletePipeTobacco
The ringing of bells in the city was from the Peace Tower, but that I missed, probably by a few minutes. I like the sound of the bells in your video.
ReplyDeleteSo little here. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you went. Apparently, ours was canned music, and too quiet.
ReplyDeleteI cannot complain, as I don't attend church, and don't contribute anymore. I was in the kids' choir and senior choir for a good many years. I don't miss the politics.
Excellent! There is much Canada gets right. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful.. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
I like that Canadians across the country heard the 100 bells at the same time. I truly hope our children and grandchildren experience lasting peace.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog, John, via Pipe Tobacco's blog. I'm a blogger from England. Lovely, moving post about the centenary of Armistice Day, thank you. :)
ReplyDelete