Remembrance Day Ceremony

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston attended the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

His Excellency took the time to speak with veterans and personally thank them for their service to our country.

During the ceremony, Their Excellencies were the first ones to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Canada.

Their Excellencies were followed by the 2012 National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Roxanne Priede, whose son, Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, died in a Chinook helicopter crash on May 30, 2007, in Afghanistan.

The newly appointed Chief of the Defense Staff General Tom Lawson also laid a wreath.

The ceremony concluded with a March Past, where His Excellency saluted all members.

Hundreds of veterans gathered around the National War Memorial for this ceremony.

Following the ceremony, Their Excellencies hosted a luncheon at Rideau Hall to pay tribute to the 2012 National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Roxanne Priede. Each year, the National Silver Cross Mother is chosen by The Royal Canadian Legion to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost children in the service to their country.

Excerpt from the Governor General of Canada's Remembrance Day Message: "These courageous men and women truly embody the love for one’s country. It is thanks to them and to the sacrifices that they and their families have made that we are privileged to live in a free and democratic society. We owe them a tremendous debt", said His Excellency."