2 November 2005

With the current closure of the Canadian Monument during its renovations, the large Canadian Cemetery No 2 within the Memorial Park became the setting for the 2005 Armistice Commemoration.

In addition, 2005 was the Year of the Veteran in Canada and as part of that celebration the Aboriginal peoples of Canada came to Europe to reclaim the lost spirits of those from their nations who had never returned home.

Calling Home

The guests of honour, including Minister of Veterans Affairs Minister: The Hon Albina Guarnieri MP, arrived at 10:00 hours to be welcomed by singers and dancers from the First Nations who led them to their places.

The arrival of the VIPs

The ceremony that followed was a mixture of two traditions, that of the Memorial Park with its speeches and wreath laying, and that of the Aboriginals with their own prayers, songs and dances.

An elder leads the prayers

The Honour Guard

Following the ceremony here, the majority of those present followed the band and Mounties to the Moroccan Memorial where wreaths were laid to honour their incredible feat of arms in 1915.

Moroccan Memorial

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The French Veteran's were well impressed

Enough to want their photos taken anyway