A youthful remembrance: Legion president says the torch is being passed

Participants in Friday's Remembrance Day ceremony in St. John's say the huge turnout and youthful flavour at this year's event is a positive sign for the future.

"The torch is being passed onto the younger generation," said Frank Sullivan, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Newfoundland and Labrador Command.

"It's beautiful to see all these people out here and all the veterans really appreciate it."

'To me it's the world'

It was a sentiment echoed by Chief Warrant Officer (ret.) Terry Hurley, who commanded the parade of hundreds of men and women representing various military and other units.

I do it for my dad. To keep his memory alive.- Brooke Ingram

"To me it's the world," Hurley said, standing in the shadow of the National War Memorial.

"I just get broken up when I see the people. Every year, more and more and more coming out. It's just great. What a way to give back."

Even the youngest participants were moved by the ceremony, including seven-year-old Jack Tucker-Forristall of Mount Pearl.

"More than everI'm impressed that they were in a war and they actually survived it," Tucker-Forristal said.

Isaac Hancock, 9, has this to say when asked why he was attending the ceremony.

"I want to remember all the soldiers that fought for me," said Hancock, who has attended aremembrance ceremony every year since he was born.

I want to remember all the soldiers that fought for me.- Isaac Hancock, 9

The youth involvement was also evident during the wreath-laying ceremony.

Once again this year, Brooke Ingram was the Silver Cross representative, laying a wreath on behalf of all families who lost a loved one in war.

Brooke's father, Sgt. Vaughan Ingram, of Burgeo, was killed in battle in Afghanistan 10 years ago, one of more than a dozen Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to fall in that conflict.

'Keep his memory alive'

Brooke was just five at the time of her dad's death, and has laid a wreath at the memorial for nine of the past 10 years.

"I do it for my dad. To keep his memory alive," she said.

Brooke is now in the care of her grandparents, Sharon and Howard Dodge, and they couldn't be more proud.

"She's been a great granddaughter. Perfect," said Sharon, choking back tears.

Brooke said she plans to continue laying a wreath in honour of her father.

"I hope one day that I can live up to be as amazing as he was. He was my hero."

There have been many remembrance ceremonies at the National War Memorial in St. John's since it opened 92 years ago, and Friday's was as important as any of them.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, a watershed moment in the province's history, and the losses endured by Newfoundland and Labrador during the recent conflict in Afghanistan is still fresh in the minds of many.

Adjusting to civilian life

It was a bittersweet ceremony for Dexter Flynn, a resident of Forteau, Labrador.

He just recently retired following a 27-year career in the military, and moved back to his hometown.

He travelled to St. John's for Friday's ceremony, and to speak with students in Mount Pearl during a school assembly on Thursday.

It was his first Remembrance Day as a civilian, and Flynn admitted he was a little uncomfortable.

"Just listening and not saluting. O Canada and stuff like that. You come to attention and you almost salute. You don't because you're (now a civilian)," he said.

Flynn is proud of his military service, and was inspired by the turnout Friday.

He's participated in ceremonies throughout Europe, including Beaumont Hamel, Vimy Ridge and at the Menin Gate in Belgium, but said "the one here was beautiful today. The crowd it was beautiful."

Happy Valley-Goose Bay gathers to remember

8 years ago

Duration 0:50

Military, RCMP, cadets and others marched to Legion Branch 51 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Friday. A ceremony was held to remember those who serve and sacrifice.