There was a visible sign of support at the National Military Cemetery on Sunday.
Thousands of wreaths were laid on the headstones of veterans as part of Wreaths Across Canada.
The annual event was started five years ago by Craig McPhee, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is based on the Wreaths Across America that started in 1992 at Arlington Cemetery.
The wreaths are a symbol of thanks to those who have served in the military.
“We have to remember our veterans,” said McPhee. “They fought for us, they died for us, we have to honour them and this has never been done before in Canada and I wanted to bring it across the country, from the east coast for the west coast.”
McPhee hopes one day the practice will spread across Canada and eventually every Military Cemetery will be adorned with wreaths annually. There are more than 250,000 veterans buried in military cemeteries throughout the nation.
Sylvia Cromie attended the ceremony in Ottawa for the first time this year. Cromie said she was there to lay a wreath for her late husband Michael, who passed away in February.
“He served for let’s see, 36 years in the military, so he did his share and it’s just a great way to remember them and honour them,” said Cromie.
John Page, who is in the military, was there to lay a wreath for his late father.
“It helps to recognize the military and our fallen comrades and those people who have put an effort into Canada over all of those years,” said Page.
This year ceremonies for Wreaths Across Canada took place in Ottawa and Winnipeg.
All of the wreaths used are purchased by donations. You can find information on how to sponsor a wreath for the veterans' graves at the National Military Cemetery at www.wreathsacrosscanada.ca
