Message from the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Ottawa – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today issued the following statement to mark Remembrance Day:
“Today we come together as a country to pause, reflect and to remember the service of Canada’s Veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, those who have been recently deployed overseas, along with their families and friends, are foremost in our minds and hearts.
“Our Government is committed to honouring all of the brave men and women who have stood on guard for Canada in times of war and in times of peace, which is why today we have re-dedicated the National War Memorial to include the inscription, In Service to Canada, to more fully reflect our country’s profound respect and gratitude for our Veterans, and to recognize the breadth of our rich military history.
“This Remembrance Day is the first to occur during Canada’s World Wars Commemoration period, during which our Government, from 2014-2020, will pay tribute to important centennial milestones of the First World War and 75th anniversary milestones of the Second World War. We will ensure Canadians never forget our country’s extraordinary role in the Allied victories in these conflicts and that the contributions and legacy of those who served will always be remembered.
“Canadians must never take for granted the exceptional quality of life that we have the privilege to enjoy, and on behalf of our Government, and indeed, on behalf of our grateful nation, I want to thank all Canadian Veterans for their service and sacrifice.”
Lest we forget
Remembrance Day Services
Remembrance Day Service
A Remembrance Day service will be held at City Hall to honour the achievements and sacrifices of those who served our country in times of war and peace.
The service will be led by the Commanding Officer of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment. His Worship, Mayor Don Iveson will also be in attendance.
Date: Tuesday November 11, 2014
Location: City Room, City Hall
Time: 10:15-10:35amPlease note: Seating in the City Room will start at 9:45am and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, there will be limited standing room. Seating must be completed no later than 10:10am, as the service will begin promptly at 10:15am.
Please note that 100 Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction on November 11 from 9am to noon to accommodate Remembrance Day Ceremonies at City Hall. Detour using 97 Street to avoid travel delays.
Wreath-laying Ceremony
Following the service in the City Room, there will be an outdoor procession to the City Hall cenotaph, where wreaths will be laid.
Date: Tuesday November 11, 2014
Location: City Hall cenotaph (outside on the City Hall Plaza)
Time: 10:55am – 11:30amPlease note: Spectators are asked to be in place by 10:50am and to remain clear of the cenotaph to allow room for the wreath-laying ceremony.
Remembrance Day Ceremony at the U of A Butterdome
A Remembrance Day ceremony will also take place in the Butterdome at Van Vliet Centre, University of Alberta (89 Avenue and 112 Street). The public is asked to be seated by 10:10am, as the service will commence shortly thereafter. Join Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Col. (Ret’d.) Donald S. Ethell as Albertans pay their respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Canada’s conflicts. Parking is free at the Butterdome for those attending the service.
Remembrance Day at Municipal Cemeteries
The City of Edmonton’s Municipal Cemeteries join all Canadians in grateful remembrance of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. On Remembrance Day, Municipal Cemeteries will be places for quiet reflection.
Fields of Honour
The City of Edmonton cemeteries will be lowering the Canadian flag in the Fields of Honour as a tribute to our veterans on Remembrance Day. The Fields of Honour are located at:
- Edmonton Cemetery 11820 – 107 Avenue
- Beechmount Cemetery 12420 – 104 Street
- Northern Lights Cemetery 156 Street – St. Albert Trail (15203 Campbell Road)
For cemetery locations and maps, see the Municipal Cemeteries web page.
Project Heroes Afghan Memorial Exhibit
Those looking to gain a deeper understanding sacrifices made during the Afghanistan conflict are invited to visit the Canada in Afghanistan: The Faces and Stories of Sacrifice exhibit. Get to know these soldiers through their eyes, in photographs, videos and letters. This travelling exhibit gives poignant insight into the many lives touched by war.
Dates: November 3 – December 31, 2014
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesdays, 8:30am – 8pm
Remembrance Day, 10am – 2pm
Location: Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, 10440 – 108 Avenue
Admission: FreeFor more information about the exhibit, visit the Project Heroes website.
Open from 10am to 2pm on Remembrance Day, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum, also located in the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, will hold a remembrance ceremony with a minute of silence at 11am.
ETS Remembrance Day Service
On Remembrance Day, Tuesday November 11, travel on Edmonton Transit is free for those in military uniform or legion dress, with a Canadian Forces identification card, or with a veteran’s card identifying the individual as a veteran.
On this day, ETS will be operating regular Saturday service with most routes starting earlier in the day with a 30 minute frequency. Industrial and some peak hour residential routes will operate on their regular weekday schedules. The ETS Customer Service Centre, including Lost & Found, will be closed on November 11.
Check the ETS Trip Planner or call BusLink at 780-496-1600 or call 311 for complete route and schedule details.
Royal Canadian Artillery Band Musical Salute at City Hall
Join the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) Band as they perform A Musical Salute: A Tribute to Our Veterans. Admission is free.
Date: Sunday November 9, 2014
Location: City Room, City Hall
Time: 2pmVisit the RCA Band Facebook page for further information.
Veterans’ Week
Veterans’ Week is celebrated November 5 to 11, 2014 across Canada. There are several events in Edmonton to honour the achievements and sacrifices of those who have bravely served in our country’s military. Please visit Veterans Affairs Canada for ceremonies being held in your area.
Light the Bridge
The High Level Bridge will be lit in shades of red on Remembrance Day in honour of the brave men and women who have served in Canada’s military. Visit the Light the Bridge web page for more information about this initiative.