Wearing poppies and masks, Canadians returned to cenotaphs and monuments across much of the country, including at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, a year after COVID-19 forced limited ceremonies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon arrived a few minutes late as a precaution after a suspicious package was found in the area.

Prior to the ceremony, the prime minister released a video statement.

”We owe so much to those who bravely serve, to our veterans, to the fallen and to the families who love and support them,” Trudeau said.

In a statement, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole said veterans and those serving today represent the best of what it means to be Canadian.

‘”Their selflessness and courage serve as an inspiration to all of us,” according to O’Toole.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also released a statement.

”We remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and those who were forever changed by their experiences,” said Singh.

Toronto Mayor John Tory spoke at the ceremony at the Old City Hall Cenotaph.

”We can ensure that we never forget them and what they did, but likely just as important would be for us to redouble our efforts to live by the values that they fought for, the value system they defended, the Canadian way of life, the Toronto way of life, that is not perfect, but is admired around the world,” Tory told the gathering.

”That would be an active and ongoing tribute every single day to them and what they did for us.  We will, and we must remember them.   Lest we forget.”