Solemn ceremony marks Remembrance Day in Iqaluit

Close to 400 people filled the Iqaluit cadet hall Monday morning in observance of Remembrance Day.

Members of the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron held prominent roles in the ceremony, with trumpeter and former squadron member Newkinga Moss and standard-bearers Flight Cpl. Leila Essoh and Sgt. Mathis Rouillier participating throughout the event.

Newkinga Moss, a former member of the 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, plays “Il Silenzio” on the trumpet during the Remembrance Day ceremony Monday, beside standard bearer Sgt. Mathis Rouillier, as Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa looks on. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Sgt. Aubrey Sheppard recited In Flanders Fields, and Flight Sgt. Arielle Kabore laid a wreath on behalf of the squadron.

Janet Armstrong, a retired teacher who attended the service, said she was moved by Moss’s rendition of Il Selenzio.

“She was wonderful,” Armstrong said.

“It’s always important for us to have the 795 Royal Air Cadet Squadron take part in the ceremony,” said Leslie Leafloor, civilian instructor with the squadron.

“It’s a way to make sure the youth remember. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I’m proud of each and every one of my cadets.”

The 45-minute service was led by John Graham, president of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 168.

Flight Cpl. Leila Essoh, with the 795 Royal Air Cadets, participates in the Remembrance Day service in Iqaluit. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Members of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and RCMP officers filled three rows of seats. Many families laid wreaths in honour of loved ones who served.

Across Nunavut, municipal, territorial and federal government offices were closed or services were suspended and offices were closed.

During the Iqaluit service, a moment of silence was observed. That was in recognition of the armistice that ended the First World War, which took effect at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 — the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.