The rain held off only just long enough to finish Memorial Day ceremonies in downtown St. John’s today.
The fog that filled Duckworth and Water this morning may have well been the mists of time, as those assembled to watch the parade tried to think back 103 years to imagine the torn fields at Beaumont Hamel.
The salute is fired. A moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/r4HccFn52m
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) July 1, 2019
As if answering a summons, the parade emerged from the fog to fall in at the National War Memorial. New veterans and old, police and prison guards, cadets and legionnaires. Wreaths were laid, prayers said.
This morning at the National War Memorial #LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/XKfrO5TaLi
— Brian O'Connell (@ocathome) July 1, 2019
St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says he laid a wreath today thinking of his uncle Jack Breen who enlisted at 19 and was cut down at Beaumont Hamel.
On July 1st, Our Family remembers my Fathers oldest brother, our Uncle Jack Breen, Blue Puttee, Reg #67; Killed at Beaumont Hamel, 103 years ago at age 19. No known grave. pic.twitter.com/bhKZ8O6qrz
— Mayor Danny Breen (@DannyBreenNL) July 1, 2019
Despite the cold, the large crowd stayed for the duration before disappearing back into the mist, headed for warmth and home.
The rain held off just long enough for the ceremonies to finish.
Wreaths laid and prayers said, the crowd is now scattering for shelter. pic.twitter.com/DDf24dWWBB
— Andrew Hawthorn (@HawthornVOCM) July 1, 2019