Yesterday Tobei, Little Man and I went to Ottawa to attend the National Remembrance Day ceremony. I lived in Ottawa for many years and never got to attend it. I was either in school or stuck working. I was very impressed to learn that many stores were closed until noon. It’s about time.
It was a wonderful ceremony and I somehow managed not to cry. Little Man lasted the entire ceremony and I was so proud of him for that. This year there was no clapping or yelling “Yay” by him like he did last year. Though I understand he is just a kid I am glad it didn’t happen. Talk about awkward moments.
After the ceremony we went to the cemetery so I could visit my grandparents. I pinned my poppy into the ground in front of my grandpa’s name and walked away crying. This was the first Remembrance Day that my grandfather was no longer with us.
Thank you everyone who shared their stories with me for the Veterans’ Week series. We need to keep the stories alive so that they are never forgotten. Remember them every day not just one day a year.