Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 15/99) - It was standing room only in Iqaluit's Cadet Hall Nov. 11.

Two-hundred-and- fifty people gathered to attend the hour-long ceremony to pay tribute to those who fought for Canada's freedom.

At exactly 11 a.m., bugler A/Sub Lieut. Jeff Barkley began the Last Post, initiating two minutes of silence that washed across the crowd.

And although last week's Remembrance Day was the final one of the century and the millennium, marking the end of one of the most violent periods in history, the president of Iqaluit's Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 4, says it isn't the end of an era.

"Our job is to continue carrying the torch forward and to preserve all that it stands for," said John Graham at the luncheon that followed the ceremony.

"Hopefully, that is something we can do through the youth of today."

Graham said he had been receiving feedback from the crowds that the ceremony was one of the most moving they had ever attended.

Three veterans, former residents of Iqaluit, were flown in to take part in the ceremony. Margory Lalonde also attended.

Lalonde served in the Canadian Women's Army Corp during the Second World War as part of the Signal Corps, which was involved in decoding.

"Two minutes of silence is such a short time to give in a year of your life, to think of the sacrifices people gave and to remember those who came back wounded," she said.

"I hope and pray that this is the end of our young people going overseas to fight, I hope we can settle future differences without sacrificing our youth."

Lalonde comes from a long line of people who have served in the wars and says it is important to remember those who had to live and cope with devastating wounds.

"My father lost both of his legs in the First World War, my brother lost his right arm in the Second World War, and my brother-in-law lost his left leg in the Second World War. The pain and suffering the wounded have endured must be thought of too."

Upwards of 50 wreaths were laid by organizations and surviving family members to honour those who fought.

Junior leader Tina Rose, 17, said the day gave her a chance to remember the war veterans and the sacrifices they made for Canada.

"It also gives all of the girls a chance to get together and do something for the community," she said, speaking of the Pathfinders, Junior Leaders, Brownies and Girl Guides who helped lay wreaths.

Because it was the final Remembrance Day of the 20th century, two minutes of silence was observed to reflect on war, peace and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.