Roxanna Thompson and Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Hay River/Inuvik (Nov 14/05) - Remembrance Day observances brought back memories of fallen friends and loved ones as people observed a moment of silence across the Northwest Territories.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion MacInnes Branch 220 observe a moment of silence during the Inuvik Remembrance Day ceremony. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

More than 100 people filled the Royal Canadian Legion in Hay River and reflected on the meaning of the day.

For Joan McVicar, a Lt. Nursing Sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service in the Second World War, Nov. 11 is a day to remember friends.

"I was very young when the war started," she told the crowd at the Legion in Hay River.

As a nurse, McVicar was assigned to a unit preparing for the second front.

She sailed to France on a Canadian landing craft and landed at Juno Beach.

Working with the Royal Army Medical Corps, McVicar and five other nurses ran a medical clearing station that was the first stop for wounded soldiers being evacuated to Britain. "We lived and worked together," she said.

A close friendship between the nurses lasted while they travelled through Europe until they were split apart in Berlin.

"That's what it's all about, friendship and at this time I remember them," McVicar said.

For Derek Lindsay, a member of the Legion in Inuvik for 20 years, Nov. 11 is a day " to pay homage to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

"Those people gave their very lives for our way of life, and freedom."

At a reception following the laying of a wreath in Inuvik, Master Warrant Officer Al Rice, a veteran with 36 years of military service, said "this is a day where we can dedicate to be a day of remembrance."

Remembrance Day means something a bit different for Vicky Latour, chaplain at the Hay River Legion.

"For me the day is about remembrance and thankfulness because I grew up in the war," said Latour, who led the Remembrance Day service.

Latour was four years old and living in greater London when The Second World War started. Her childhood memories are of the Blitz and not being able to play because of air raid warnings.

"You grow up very quickly," she said.

She also remembers how little food there was to go around.

"People were hungry," said Latour.

"Rations were pretty short, pretty often.

Having a concept of war is difficult for people living in Canada who haven't had the experience of living through one, she said.

Cadet Nia Lefebvre had to think for a minute about what Remembrance Day represents for her.

"I guess it means remembering people who died in the war," said Lefebvre.