Legionnaires lead the way in St. John’s Remembrance Day ceremony
Nov 11, 2026
The Royal Canadian Legion has been standing with veterans for 100 years
and once again played a leading role during remembrance ceremonies
in St. John's, where despite the rain and chilly fall air,
hundreds gathered, first at the Sergeant's Memorial on Queen's Road,
the city's first public war memorial,
where this 40-year veteran of the military, carrying
her late father's military service medals, came to pay her respects.
I think it's important that we always remember,
particularly in the light of the tragedy out in Wainwright.
This leading Legionnaire says November 11th
is a day of reflection and gratitude.
It's a miserable day, but we're here to honor all those fallen.
Comrades who, you know, who passed away during the battles.
This march to the Newfoundland National War Memorial has
been a tradition since 1924.
Members of the military, police officers,
firefighters, cadets and others,
marching in honour of those who served,
who left home and never returned.
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.
The message was that freedom is not without cost.
It's earned through courage, perseverance, sacrifice.
And Newfoundland and Labrador has an enduring legacy of service,
remembrance, and honoring veterans that is strong
and unbroken for more than a century.
Today, in the presence of the unknown soldier,
we are reminded that peace cannot be taken for granted.
This is a new tradition at the war memorial,
placing poppies on the tomb of the unknown soldier,
which was established two years ago
and is now a centerpiece of remembrance on this sacred ground.
The war memorial has long been part of this woman's life
for very personal reasons.
I have been here for 81 years, coming back and forth.
I have a son who was in the military.
He was in the Persian Gulf.
And right now I have a grandson who's serving up in Gagetown.
This is what gratitude and remembrance looks like.
A small gesture in the rain,
but a lasting symbol of honour and respect.
Terry Roberts, CBC News, St. John's.