The pallbearers chosen to bring the unknown soldier to his final resting place at the National War Memorial say it was an incredible honour to do so.
The soldier’s remains were interred yesterday at the National War Memorial on its 100th anniversary.
Private Alexander Reid and Corporal Benjamin Roberts of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment were two of the pallbearers who helped repatriate the remains from France, and then inter him at the tomb.
The casket is carried up the steps to the tomb. pic.twitter.com/37tw4vRXDS
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Both men have family connections to soldiers who fought in the war. Reid’s third great uncle, Private Alexander Gilbert, was killed in the war, and Roberts’ relative, Corporal John Thomas Roberts, served from 1917 to 1918.
Reid was proud to have been part of the ceremony.
He says it is hard to put into words, noting that there’s a chance the remains he carried could have been those of his relative—who doesn’t have a known grave.
Roberts says the support shown by those who came out for the ceremony made him emotional.
He says when the casket was taken from the hearse the crowd was completely silent, and he could feel the respect being shown. After the ceremony was over and they began marching away, he says the cheers and applause brought tears to his eyes.