With mild weather across the city, it made for a calmer day for the outdoor Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The traditional ceremony held at Waverly Park’s cenotaph drew a larger crowd and feature many proud faces of participants and attendees.

One of those attendees was from the many cadet organizations here in Thunder Bay. 11-year-old Cadet Kaylin, was one of the many to lay a wreath on behalf of their organization Navy League Cadet Corps 28 Thunder.

“I get to represent the people who fought in the war, I’m really lucky that I’m here today.”

Master of Ceremonies at the park, George Romick, is happy to see that local students are making their way to the ceremony.

“That’s a big thing for the students to recognize all the military personnel, First World War, Second World War, Korea, Peacekeeping, Afghanistan, and what they’ve done for Canada and for ourselves.”

Meanwhile across town, for the first time in two years, veterans and residents gathered inside the Fort William Gardens to honour the fallen. Organizer Ken Milenko calls that event a great success.

“We had a great turnout in the parade, the Colour Parties looked fantastic, it all came to together. Little disappointed with the crowd turnout but look at the weather.”

Milenko was really impressed with the fact that students from three schools showed up to participate.  “Honestly its all about remembrance, and if you don’t get that across to today’s youth, its important for us Legion people and us veterans that we continue this.”

A pair of key note addresses came from Laurie Abthorpe, a female veteran, and Inspector Larry Ross, an Indigenous veteran to speak on their experiences. Milkenko calls them “Two Firsts” as this is the first time a woman or an Indigenous person has presented as a speaker at the Fort William Gardens ceremonies.

“It’s a very emotional day for me…Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day in the United States, is very important to me. It always has been and always will be.

Ross, currently serves as a Detachment Commander for the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service in Sioux Lookout, has a service history goes as far back as serving during the Cold War and in Iraq. Like many others he was very happy to see younger residents come out to participate.

“I can’t emphasize enough that freedom has a price, and I’m glad that people still remember.”

Also among those in attendance was Second World War Navy veteran Roy Lamore who received the salute from the parade as they marched off at the culmination of Friday’s ceremonies.

Video: Second World War Veteran Roy Lamore receives a salute from the parade at Fort William Gardens.

Lamore, who is in his 90’s, says he was very proud to have received that honour.

—With files from Adam Riley