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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - "And in the morning we will remember them," said an emotional Dusty Miller, a Second World War veteran who read the Act of Remembrance to more than 1,000 people at the Remembrance Day ceremony held at St. Pat's Catholic school.

Honourable Col. Pat McCloskey, left, and Master Warrant Officer Jack Lamarche, right, salute the cenotaph monument at city hall after placing a wreath in honour of those who gave their lives in the line of duty. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

The Nov. 11 ceremony emphasized the day is a time to remember those who gave their lives to safeguard freedom and the betterment of humanity. Francine Clouston, service officer for the Royal Canadian Legion, said there is a multi-generational connection today with past and current conflicts.

"Today is a day of remembrance of past and current generations" who died in service of the country, she said.

"It's sombre and reflective of the past and all the different places people have served. Everyone in the audience probably has someone who served in the past. We link the past to the present because we still have men and women in conflict and giving their lives to our freedom."

Blaine Kelly, president of the Yellowknife Royal Canadian Legion and master of ceremonies, spoke to the importance of youth being involved in this important day.

"The youth are the future, but keep in mind the sacrifices made by the men and women of the past have allowed you to grow up," said Kelly. "All of you have the opportunity to keep Canada strong and be involved in leadership roles to keep our nation safe, not only for us, but for humanity."

"It's important to respect the people who fought for our lives," Royal Air Cadet Corporal Curtis Kenny agreed. "We need to understand and remember our past."

The event was Kelly's first ceremony as president of the Legion. "Respecting the fallen veterans, and the ones who sacrificed their youth and their lives and the horrors they experienced, to be able to stand up and do justice for what they endured, it's truly an honour," he said.

"I'm humbled to be in their presence. I'm honoured to be able to know them and share in their stories and experiences. It's such an overwhelming feeling to see them and what they've endured in the past and to see them so positive and jovial, it's phenomenal."

Miller spoke with conviction about the importance of passing on to youth the legacy of those who protected our freedoms.

"The younger people are really important," he said. "They've got the world to look after. When we're gone, it's theirs. It's important to take care of what is here."

Joint Task Force North Commander Brig. Gen. Dave Millar said the ceremony's impressive turnout couldn't compare to others in the south.

"It's tremendous," he said. "We're so far away from Ottawa and the centre of remembrance, and to see the emotion here, it's amazing. You don't get that kind of representation in communities in the south with bigger populations.

"It reinforces the strong bond between our Canadian Forces and our communities."