Members of Greater Sudbury’s legion branches visited the city’s cemeteries and cenotaphs Sunday to commemorate Decoration Day, and pay tribute to the veterans who fought uphold Canada’s freedoms.
“We remember our fallen comrades for what they’ve done for our country,” said Ronald Robitaille, past president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76. “Everybody can reflect on the individual losses they’ve had.”
Robitaille said he used the day to reflect on his father-in-law, who was a Spitfire pilot during the Second World War, and died recently.
Prior to the 1931 Act of Parliament that set aside Nov. 11 as Remembrance Day, Decoration Day had, for decades, been the traditional time for Canadians to honour their war dead.
The day derives its name from the wreaths legionnaires lay at cenotaphs, to decorate them and pay tribute to Canada’s fallen veterans.
Members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 200 Wolf Squadron also participated in Sunday’s ceremonies across the city.
Robitaille said the recent conflict in Afghanistan has given young people a more immediate appreciation for the sacrifices Canada’s veterans have made, and the cost for their freedoms.
