This November 11, the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa transformed into a vibrant hub of memory and mourning, as members of the public gathered to honour the nation's veterans. The air was thick with stories, both old and new, weaving a powerful narrative of service, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of camaraderie.
A Sanctuary of Shared Experience
In the museum's quiet halls, personal reflections brought history to life. Lucie Brosseau, a former guide from the museum's previous location on Sussex Drive, stood in a dimly lit room, illuminated by a single overhead light. She listened intently to recorded voices of veterans describing what they missed most upon returning home from conflicts in Afghanistan, Korea, and the Second World War.
"They were talking about the camaraderie they missed," Brosseau shared, reflecting on the profound sense of loneliness the veterans expressed. "They needed to speak about their experiences to someone who understood." Having met countless veterans in her time, most now gone, Brosseau comes to the museum every Remembrance Day, stating there is no other place she would rather be to reflect and remember.
Connecting Generations Through Voice
The museum's role as the nation's repository for stories of valour, daring, and harrowing loss was palpable. A particularly moving moment unfolded around the "Last Voices of the Second World War" exhibition. Sisters Danielle and Renée Thibeault were there to honour their father, Leopold, who had passed away in January at the remarkable age of 105. His recorded voice is part of the exhibit, ensuring his story lives on.
For Renée, the day was emotionally complex. "I'm glad that men like dad are remembered," she said, "but being here today also brings back the big loss for me." As they stood by the exhibit, another visitor, David Skorey, was listening to Leopold's story. Upon learning the voice belonged to their father, Skorey was deeply moved, explaining that his own father, Alexander Weston Skorey, rarely spoke about his war experiences. "I'm here to pay my respect to my dad," Skorey confessed, "something that I didn't always do when he was alive."
A National Ceremony of Light and Stone
The day's central ceremony took place in Memorial Hall, where at the precise moment of 11:11 a.m., a beam of sunlight shone directly onto the headstone of Canada's Unknown Soldier, repatriated 25 years ago. This annual tradition provided a focal point for collective remembrance, uniting visitors in a silent, powerful tribute.
From curious students on field trips to history buffs and families of serving soldiers, each person brought their own narrative. These individual stories commingled within the museum's walls, contributing to an ever-growing and evolving story about Canada itself—a story defined by remembrance, resilience, and a profound gratitude for those who have served.
