Remembrance Day 2021

November 11, 2021

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser, attended this year’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Governor General Mary Simon plays a major role in recognizing the importance of Canada’s military at home and abroad. 

Their Excellencies were joined by this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Josée Simard, of Les Méchins, Quebec. Mrs. Simard’s daughter, Corporal Karine Blais, died in Afghanistan, in April 2009, when the vehicle she was travelling in struck a roadside bomb. Mrs. Simard placed a wreath on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in the military service of Canada.

About the National Silver Cross Mother:
The National Silver Cross Mother is chosen annually from nominations submitted to The Royal Canadian Legion, and represents all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in the military service of Canada. 

Several people are standing one beside the other outdoors. Mr. Whit Fraser, Governor General Mary Simon, and Ms. Josée Simard (the National Silver Cross Mother) are among them.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser participated in the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa alongside the 2021 National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Josée Simard.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-027
A bagpiper plays the bagpipes by the National War Memorial. They are wearing a bearskin hat, and a plaid military uniform. Veterans can be seen in the background.

A piper played during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-030
The Governor General lays a wreath during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. There are several people standing behind her, including Mr. Whit Fraser, Mrs. Josée Simard, and a woman wearing a military uniform.

The Governor General laid a wreath during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on behalf of the people of Canada.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-039
The 2021 National Silver Cross Mother lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial. There are three men in military uniforms standing behind her.

Mrs. Josée Simard, the 2021 National Silver Cross Mother, laid a wreath during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony. 

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-042
A line of several people is facing the National War Memorial. Governor General Mary Simon and Mr. Whit Fraser are standing among them. The sky is blue.

Their Excellencies paid their respects at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony alongside the Prime Minister and the 2021 National Silver Cross Mother.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-059
The Governor General salutes a group of military members. She is wearing the Royal Canadian Air Force uniform and a black mask.

"Our hope is that by recalling past sacrifices, we can look to a peaceful future. It is up to all of us. It is in our hands. It is our duty to keep the memory alive."

– Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-072
The Governor General greets veterans and special guests following the National Remembrance Day ceremony. She is wearing her Royal Canadian Air Force uniform.

Following the ceremony, the Governor General met with Canadian veterans to hear from them about their experiences and to personally thank them for their service.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-081
Sentries are positioned by the National War Memorial and surrounded by wreaths during the National Remembrance Day ceremony. One sentry is wearing a Canadian Army uniform, and the other is wearing a Royal Canadian Navy uniform.

Lest we forget.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-084
The Governor General and Mr. Fraser lay their poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The Governor General and Mr. Whit Fraser laid their poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0098-100

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