Hundreds Take Part In Remembrance Day Roll-Pass

Honking horns and yells of “thank you” could be heard outside of a Saint John arena Wednesday as residents took part in a Remembrance Day vehicle procession.

It was a chance for the community to pay their respects to veterans, military members and first responders in a physically-distanced way.

“I think this is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen,” said Winifred Rice, a Second World War veteran who served with the British Army.

“Saint John should be commended for doing this. It just makes us feel so wanted.”

More than 6,000 people typically gather at TD Station on Nov. 11 for the city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

But with COVID-19 restrictions limiting the size of gatherings, organizers knew it would not be possible to do this year.

So the Saint John Remembrance Day Committee came up with the idea of a vehicle procession instead.

Lt. (ret’d) Bernard Cormier, who chairs the committee, estimates more than 300 vehicles took part in the event.

“It’s important that these people be thanked for their service in the past while they’re still here as they may not be here next year,” said Cormier. “It was a very touching moment for me. In fact, at one point, I think I almost had tears in my eyes when somebody yelled out ‘thank you.’”

Participants lined up at the Rothesay Avenue Superstore over the lunch hour. The procession, which lasted about 25 minutes, arrived at TD Station at 1 p.m.

Squadron Leader (ret’d) Bruce Carter also watched as the procession rolled past. The Second World War veteran was based at Royal Canadian Air Force station in Pennfield Ridge.

“It was a wonderful turnout,” said Carter. “By way of the turnout at the station in past years, I’m not surprised.”

Cormier said he was also happy with the turnout at Wednesday’s event.

“Saint Johners are always very supportive of their veterans and their military. It’s very heartwarming to see so many people come out. When I looked at the vehicles, some were packed with their family bubble in the vehicle,” he said.