A hushed crowd gathered under a slate-coloured sky in Abbotsford's Thunderbird Memorial Square Friday morning to honour the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Marching into the square, veterans, soldiers, cadets and first responders and law enforcement officers stood at attention in front of the cenotaph in the driving rain for the length of the Remembrance Day ceremony.

Bystanders of all ages joined in the singing of Oh Canada before observing the minute of silence.

A prayer followed, as did a gun salute by the Abbotsford Police ceremonial guard.

The showers began to ease as groups gathered to place wreaths at the foot of the granite memorial.

At the end of the ceremony, a benediction was offered and the eldest led the youngest out of the square.

Abbotsford Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15 exited the assembly with others following and Scout and Girl Guide troops pulling up the rear as the crowd broke to greet veterans, family and friends.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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