Remembrance Day ceremony in Sudbury returns to Memorial Park

Commemorating Remembrance Day in Sudbury The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564 hosted this years Remembrance Day ceremony downtown Sudbury.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564 hosted this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in downtown Sudbury.

The branch said this is a day to reflect and honour all the men and women who served.

“To remember all the men and the women who signed on the dotted line and were willing to sacrifice absolutely everything for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Jennifer Huard, the president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564.

“To honour, remember, and to be there for the veterans and their loved ones.”

This year’s Silver Cross Mother is Wendy Miller. She lost her son, Pte. Andrew Miller, 12 years ago.

He was a medic with the Canadian Forces serving in Afghanistan.

“I couldn’t ask for a better son,” Miller said.

“He was funny, he wanted to be in the army since he was a little boy, and he was an incredible soldier, he was a combat field medic. As a kid, he would always put Band-Aids on me, giving me a tourniquet when I didn’t need one, always helpful to people -- had a first aid kit on him at all times.”

More than 200 people attended this year’s ceremony held in Memorial Park, which is the first time it’s been held there in years.

“This was a dream of mine 22 years ago to have it outside,” said Dan Draper, with UN NATO Veterans of Canada.

“As soldiers, we’re used to being outside and it means a lot to us to have it outside.”

Draper said one of the reasons he attends is to be there for others.

“Years ago there were veterans who helped me out and I’m just repaying them back,” he said.

“I enjoy doing it and there a lot of veterans out there that need help and we’re here to help them.”

For those who were not able to attend today’s service but would like to pay their respects, people can visit the cenotaphs at any of the local legions, or stop by Memorial Park.