Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador is a solemn occasion marking the anniversary of Beaumont Hamel and honouring veterans. However, for those who have served, it is an emotional day bringing back memories of their time in battle.

Yesterday, a ceremony was held at the War Memorial in St. John’s marking the 105th anniversary of the battle of Beaumont Hamel.

A somber ceremony earlier this morning at the War Memorial as the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel was marked @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/mQMuhcmZD4

— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) July 1, 2021

Perry Grandy, a veteran and the master of ceremonies for the event, says there are veterans who don’t look forward to days like Memorial Day or Remembrance Day because it brings back a lot of memories of their own service.

He reflects on what the veterans of World War I went through. Those soldiers, he says, had to experience a very harsh environment; he references getting close with people and then watching them get blown up right in front of them. Grandy says what got them through was the brotherhood that was formed.