91st National Day of Remembrance (31 photos)

The 11th hour.

Of the 11th day.

Of the 11th month.

Each year, we commemorate the signing of the Armistice in 1918, marking the end of the First World War.

Thousands attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Essar Centre today to honour those near and far who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Traditionally, the placing of the wreaths begins with one placed by the Silver Cross Mother on behalf of mothers who have lost children as a result of armed conflict.

Ruth Vernelli (shown), mother of Master Corporal Scott Vernelli, who fell during active duty earlier this year in the Afghanistan conflict, was honoured with the role of 2009 Silver Cross Mother.

Today's ceremonies also included addresses from Mayor John Rowswell, and Comrade Bruce Julian, vice-president Provincial Command, musical presentations from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 Drum and Trumpet Band, the Sir James Dunn band, and the St. Francis School Choir, as well as a reading of In Flanders Fields by Petty Officer First Class Riley Crockford.