In a moving ceremony held earlier this week, the Town of Rosemère reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Canada’s veterans, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, peace, and democratic values. The municipal council, accompanied by residents, dignitaries, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, gathered outside Town Hall for a Remembrance Day commemoration steeped in gratitude and quiet reverence.
Although modest in scale, the ceremony mirrored a nationwide tradition that has been observed every November for more than a century. Communities across Canada, from major cities to small municipalities, held similar tributes, uniting the country in remembrance of those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in numerous peacekeeping and NATO missions.
Local Leaders Pay Tribute
Mayor Marie-Elaine Pitre led the Rosemère delegation, accompanied by councillors Stéphanie Nantel, Sébastien Jacquet, and Jean-François Gagnière. Together, they welcomed citizens who had gathered despite the brisk November weather to show their respect.
Representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, Messrs. Réal Marcotte and Marcel Comeau, joined the ceremony, embodying the long-standing link between local communities and the national veterans’ network. The Legion, founded in 1925, has been central to preserving the memory of Canada’s fallen and supporting veterans and their families, an effort that remains as vital today as ever.
A moment of silence was observed, echoing the two-minute pause held across the country every November 11 at 11 a.m. This tradition began following the Armistice of 1918, when hostilities ended in the First World War. Today, it serves as a collective act of reflection on the cost of conflict and the importance of peace.
A Tradition Rooted in Canadian History
Across Quebec, Remembrance Day has taken on renewed visibility in recent years. Schools, municipalities, and veterans’ organizations have been working to reinforce the importance of historical memory, particularly among younger generations. Canada’s sacrifice in global conflicts remains significant: more than 66,000 Canadians died in the First World War, over 45,000 in the Second World War, and thousands more in subsequent missions.
Rosemère’s ceremony, though simple and intimate, fits within this broader national context. The town has long collaborated with local veterans’ branches for commemorative events, educational outreach, and public awareness. While not every community holds a large parade or elaborate service, these smaller gatherings are central to keeping remembrance alive.
Community Presence and Civic Reflection
For many in attendance, the ceremony provided an opportunity not only to honour those who served, but also to reflect on the values their sacrifices defended, freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of peace. These themes resonate strongly today, as global conflicts continue to shape international relations and humanitarian crises. Canadian Armed Forces members remain active in peacekeeping, disaster relief, and NATO operations, ensuring that the tradition of service continues.
Residents who attended the Rosemère ceremony expressed quiet but heartfelt gratitude, standing alongside elected officials and Legion representatives in a show of community solidarity. While no musical performances or military contingents were present, common in larger ceremonies, the simplicity of the gathering heightened its emotional impact.
“Lest We Forget” in Rosemère
The message at the heart of the event was clear and deeply Canadian: “We will remember them.”
Rosemère’s municipal council issued thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion representatives and to all citizens who joined the tribute. Their presence, the council emphasized, helps sustain a culture of remembrance that extends beyond a single day and speaks to the values shared by the community.
As the last poppies fall and the November cold settles in, the town’s ceremony stands as a modest yet meaningful reminder that remembrance is not an obligation but a collective privilege, one that Rosemère continues to uphold with dignity.
