National War Memorial the focal point for an especially poignant Remembrance Day

The Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa began amid brilliant sunshine and unseasonally warm temperatures as thousands of spectators crowded around the towering National War Memorial, in anticipation of the annual ritual.

The memorial in Ottawa is always a focal point for Canadians in early November — but Tuesday’s proceedings carry extra poignancy in the wake of last month’s attack on Parliament Hill and the deaths of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.

The day was marked in Toronto and the GTA with several ceremonies.

At Old City Hall, thousands gathered to mark the occasion, spilling onto Queen and Bay streets.

Cirillo and Vincent were invoked during the prayers and by Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, city councillor for Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina.

Ramkhalawansingh filled in for Mayor Rob Ford who was unable to attend the ceremony due to his health.

Mayor-elect John Tory was in attendance along with other city councillors, MPPs and federal Finance Ministry Joe Oliver.

At the Queen’s Park ceremony, Premier Kathleen Wynne and Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell laid a wreath at Ontario’s Veterans’ Memorial.

The ceremony in Ottawa drew a huge crowd. The Royal Canadian Legion says poppy sales have jumped this year to more than 19 million compared with 18 million last year.

What’s more, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, as well as the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War.

All the while, Canadian fighter pilots are flying in harm’s way over Iraq.

Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper greeted Princess Anne as she arrived.

They also chatted with Gisele Michaud, the Silver Cross Mother, whose youngest son, Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud, died of injuries suffered in Afghanistan in 2009.

The ranks of Second World War and Korean War veterans are noticeably thinner this year, as the years take their toll.

Prime Minister Harper flew halfway around the world from Beijing for the ceremony, after which he’ll resume his travels almost immediately, bound for New Zealand.

The diplomatic corps were out in force, along with various veterans groups and young people’s organizations.

The commemoration included the familiar rituals of the piper’s lament, the Last Post, the artillery salute and the recitation of the Act of Remembrance taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem, “For the Fallen.”

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old …”

There was also be a formal rededication of the memorial itself, to add the dates of the Afghanistan mission and the South African War.

There is also a new inscription: “In Service to Canada – Au service du Canada.” The government says the inscription is intended to recognize all who serve, be it in the past, present or future.

It’s the second time the memorial has been rededicated. In May 1982, the dates of the Second World War and the Korean War were added.

Princess Anne paid tribute to Cirillo and Vincent shortly after her arrival in Ottawa on Monday. She also spoke of the rededication.

“As we stand on the verge of the monument’s rededication, I am mindful of this continuum of history and the privilege given us as members of the Canadian Royal Family to share such important moments with you all,” she said.

Her grandfather first dedicated the monument in May 1930 — ironically, just months before the Second World War began.

Since Cirillo’s death, people have thronged to the war memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at its foot. They have carpeted the steps with bouquets, poppies, photos, poems, written tributes, stuffed animals, a can or two of beer, even a battered hockey stick.

The formal ceremony, including veterans and ranks of serving soldiers, sailors and air personnel, only increased interest, especially since temperatures were warmer than usual for Nov. 11.

Reporters Kevin Misener and Mark Douglas are reporting from ceremonies in Toronto and reporters Cormac MacSweeney, Laura Casella and Kristy Cameron are reporting live from Ottawa. Follow their updates in real-time below. For a mobile-friendly version, click here

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