McGill hosts Remembrance Day ceremony

The event will bring together veterans, dignitaries and the event’s special guest of honour, the Honourable Pierre Duchesne, Lieutenant Governor of Québec. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute from four cannons positioned in front of McGill's Arts Building, as well as the laying of wreaths and performances by military bands.

“It is a pleasure and an honour for McGill University to become the permanent host for the Royal Canadian Legion’s official Remembrance Day. McGill's an integral part of the Montreal community and as such it's fitting that we host this important tradition on our campus,” said McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum. “I look forward to participating again this year in this important event alongside the Royal Canadian Legion, members of the McGill and Montreal communities.”

To honour this tradition, on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, Canadians pause to remember the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m., between the first and second gun salutes.

WHO:              Royal Canadian Legion, Quebec Command

WHAT:           Remembrance Day ceremony

WHEN:          Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

WHERE:          McGill University, downtown campus, lower field

In the 20^th century’s two World Wars, McGill lost more than 600 men and women: 363 people from McGill perished in the First World War and another 298 lost their lives in the Second World War. McGill also made significant contributions to the medical care of wounded soldiers in both wars. Since then, members of the McGill community have helped resolve conflicts and maintain peace in Kosovo, Eritrea, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Please join us in reflecting on their sacrifices and ensuring they are never forgotten.

PHOTO: Poppies in the Sunset on Lake Geneva - Eric Hill (Wikimedia Commons)