Chan's Personal Blog

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Rabbi Reuvan Bulka, the honorary chaplain of the Canadian Legion delivered the benediction.

"We who ride on the coattails of our heroes can best show our gratitude by standing up for the values they continue to defend by nurturing in Canada an enveloping culture of respect, of harmony, of inclusion, a great country worthy of their great sacrifice," Bulka said.

"This is our sacred trust, our unshakable perpetual obligation, our way to actively remember," he said.

Scores of veterans, current members of the military, police officers and cadets then paraded past the reviewing stand where Charles, Camilla, Jean, Morley and other dignitaries stood.

The close of the ceremony brought a flood of onlookers forward to place their poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,

More than 100,000 Canadians soldiers have died in conflicts since 1899, including:

• More than 240 in the Boer War.
• More than 66,000 in the First World War.
• More than 44,000 in the Second World War.
• 516 in the Korean War.
• 121 in peacekeeping missions.
• 133 in Afghanistan.

More than 600,000 Canadian soldiers volunteered to go overseas for the Great War. In addition to those who died, 172,000 were wounded.

Only one Canadian veteran from the First World War is still alive — John Babcock, 109, who was born on an Ontario farm and lives in the United States.

Wander my friends, wander with me
Like the mist on the green mountain, moving eternally
Despite our weariness,
we'll follow the road
Over hills and valleys
to the end of the journey

Come on my friends and sing with me
Fill the night with joy and sport
Here's a toast to the friends who have gone from us
Like the mist of the green mountain,
gone forever