Under bright blue skies and with a brisk fall breeze, thousands of people turned out for Barrie's Remembrance Day ceremony.
Spectators lined Dunlop Street and large crowds circled the Cenotaph to pay tribute to the men and women of the Canadian Forces who have served their country in times of war, military conflict and peace.
The sound of bagpipes filled the crisp air as a colourful parade with flags, a marching band and a sea of uniforms stepped down the street to Memorial Square.
The sombre procession included legion members, representatives of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Club, as well as army, navy and air cadets and representatives from Canadian Forces Base Borden.
Representatives from Barrie Police, Barrie Fire, the OPP and County of Simcoe Paramedics also stepped shoulder to shoulder.
"There are thousands of stories here that form the broader story of Canada," said Lieutenant-Colonel Russ Defer, the main speaker at the ceremony.
He noted that 620,000 served in the Canadian Army during the First World War and that one in ten did not return.
"That's half the population of Barrie," he said.
Defer highlighted the importance of honouring those who have served and to continue to fulfill a pledge to always remember.
"Honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Those who bear the scars," he said, noting that not all scars are visible and that many veterans suffer inside.
Chris Spanis, 93, former building official for the city of Barrie, served in the Battle of the Atlantic in the Navy and is a former commanding officer of the Sea Cadets.
"I lost a few friends so I've got memories," he said, eyes tearing up. "I think this ceremony is very important. To me it's very very important."
George Stenning, 95, was in the Royal Canada Navy and served across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
"It means a lot because I lost some of my best friends. Close by too sometimes," he said, getting emotional at the painful, horrific memories.
The Silver Cross Mother Beth McKay and her husband Fred laid a wreath at the cenotaph in honour of their son Pte. Kevin McKay who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010 just days from his end of tour.
It was the first Remembrance Day ceremony Barrie resident Rene Auger attended and he was struck by the large crowds.
"The moment of silence with that many people is astounding. I'm going to try to do this every year," Auger said.
The Last Post was played after a moment of silence.
Patricia Mackay came to the ceremony last year and returned to pay homage again this year.
"I think it's important to show your respect," she said.
