St. Johns marks Remembrance Day amid harsh weather

Hundreds gathered at the National War Memorial in St. John’s for Remembrance Day service, despite the cold and rainy conditions. BY SHAUNA BERNARDArticle contentThe Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in St. John’s began shortly before 11am, as cold wind swept through downtown and light rain fell.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentDespite the weather, hundreds of people gathered along Water Street and around the cenotaph, standing quietly as the service began.Article contentArticle content Hundreds of people braved cold, wet and windy conditions to attend the service downtown in St. John’s. BY SHAUNA BERNARDArticle contentThe event kicked off with an announcement that the annual march was cancelled due to weather conditions, but that the ceremony itself would proceed as planned.Article contentArticle contentOrganizers said the service would continue “in solemn respect for generations of veterans” who began the tradition after the First World War.Article contentSpeakers noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and reflected on the contribution of more than 36,000 Newfoundlanders who served in multiple conflicts, including both world wars, the Korean War, the Cold War, peacekeeping missions, and Afghanistan.Article contentThey also acknowledged those still living with physical and mental injuries from their service.Article contentA reading of In Flanders Fields, the poem written in 1915 by Canadian Medical Officer Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, followed.Article contentAdditionally, The Act of Remembrance, with the familiar words spoken: “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”Article contentRemembering the fallenArticle contentAt 11am, a ceremonial round was fired from Signal Hill by the 37 Combat Engineer Regiment, marking the start of two minutes of silence.Article contentArticle contentThe silence ended with another round, while members of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment performed a three-volley rifle salute at the memorial.Article contentAmong the invited guests was Rev. Dr. Ian Wishart, 93, former chaplain of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who also participated in last year’s reinterment of Newfoundland’s Unknown Soldier.Article content Rev. Dr. Ian Wishart, 94, former chaplain of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, leads a prayer during the service. BY SHAUNA BERNARDArticle contentHe led a prayer for the country and province, offering blessings for those who serve and those who strive for peace.Article content“Bless, O God, this land of Canada, this great land and this great cause in Newfoundland and Labrador. Bless the people of Canada, people who come from everywhere, across the oceans and the continents,” Wishart said.Article content“We give thanks for service and for sacrifice, in war and in peace, in times of prosperity and in times of struggle. May public service be wise and honourable; give us health and strength. Bless, O God, the people of Canada. May we be wisely led and be fairly judged.”