Whereas all main Canadian cities held their very own Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov. 11, the one held in Ottawa yearly is the nation’s showcase tribute to those that’ve served Canada in occasions of battle. A number of Ottawa-based army models from all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, in addition to RCMP, participated within the sombre parade by means of downtown streets to the commemorative ceremony on the Nationwide Battle Memorial. The colourfully uniformed Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa was probably the most recognizable models throughout this yr’s commemorations. Capital Present reporter/photographer Dennis Kovtun joined the Camerons on their huge day, capturing the scenes as they ready to honour Canada’s battle useless and the various veterans who carried out their obligation for the nation in occasions of battle and peace.

Members of the unit arriving at the Cartier Square Drill Hall at close to 8 a.m. on Nov. 11
The unit’s members started to reach on the Cartier Sq. Drill Corridor, the place the Camerons are primarily based, at about 8 a.m. That they had been issued their ceremonial uniforms earlier within the week, and had been now preparing. Extra of unit’s members arrived on the drill corridor, situated simply east of Ottawa’s metropolis corridor, because the time handed previous to the 11 a.m. Remembrance Day ceremony on the Nationwide Battle Memorial. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
As time went on, more members came in. The Camerons' formal uniforms are complicated and their design is deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting the unit's long history, which in its current shape dates back to 1881, and its designation as one of Canada's "Scottish regiments."
The Camerons’ formal uniforms are advanced and their design is deeply rooted in custom, reflecting the unit’s lengthy historical past — which dates again to 1881 and its designation as one in every of Canada’s “Scottish regiments.” Their kilts are patterned from the now-defunct British unit Queen’s Personal Cameron Highlanders that was fashioned by Sir Allen Cameron of Erracht in 1793 and disbanded in 1961. It takes about 20 minutes for every member to don the sophisticated gown. The scarlet doublets are worn on formal events such because the Remembrance Day. The inexperienced doublets are worn by the members of the pipes and drums band. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
The parade's participants being arranged by height.
The parade’s members had been organized by peak. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
The unit's crest.
The regimental colors of the Cameron Highlanders — the cherished flag symbolizing the unit — borne by one of many pipers. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Pipes and drums is a distinct part of the unit. Before one can become a part of the pipes and drums band, they must pass the audition process, and many start playing music quite young, arriving in the unit as skilled and experienced musicians. Pictured is one of the band's members.
Pipes and drums is a definite a part of the unit. Earlier than anybody can develop into part of the pipes and drums band, they have to cross the audition course of, and lots of begin taking part in music fairly younger, arriving within the unit as already expert and skilled musicians. They’re the general public face of the regiment. The music the band carried out through the Remembrance Day occasions was perfected by means of numerous hours of observe and preparation. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Members of the unit conversing and encouraging each other before the parade.
Pipes and drums had been arrange and prepared earlier than the members who could be collaborating in the primary parade. Whereas a lot of the musicians had been making their remaining preparations outdoors, different members had been nonetheless contained in the Cartier Drill Corridor, placing the ultimate touches on their gown uniforms. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Member of the unit putting on his gloves.
Scarlet doublet, white belts and white gloves are a mix with a protracted historical past within the Canadian army, going all the way in which again to the Canadian Militia. One of many final issues parade members did earlier than going outdoors was pulling their gloves on. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa marching down the Elgin Street.
Camerons on parade on Elgin Road, in kilts, scarlet tunics and feather bonnets, behind the Governor Common’s Foot Guards (in gray greatcoats). The RCMP observe behind the Camerons. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Pipes and drums band of the unit.
The pipes and drums band marched individually from the primary group. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Unit members returning to the Cartier Square Drill Hall.
After marching throughout the Laurier Avenue Bridge, the group went again to the Cartier Sq. Drill Corridor. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Members mingling together in a more relaxed atmosphere after the parade.
After the parade, there was a brief debrief for the members. When that was achieved, they completed the formal a part of the day with the unit’s cry — “Camerons… Advance!” Afterwards, the ambiance grew to become extra relaxed. Family members of some members of the Camerons got here alongside to assist and encourage them. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Member of the unit taking his feather bonnet off.
The feather bonnet weighs about 15 kilos or almost seven kilograms. The members eliminated their bonnets quite shortly after the Remembrance Day ceremony. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]
Members of the unit's association - the past members of the unit, many of them are of venerable age.
Previous members of the unit additionally participated within the commemorations. These males are members of the Regimental Affiliation. [Photo © Dennis Kovtun]