Small gathering in Ottawa for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial

COVID-19 meant a smaller, subdued gathering in Ottawa for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial.

But some people did turn out to mark the service and sacrifice of those who have given their lives to defend the country.

They watched as Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other dignitaries laid wreaths at the cenotaph.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, told the gathering that Canadian Forces members showed the country what sacrifice means this year when they helped long-term care homes in Ontario and Quebec deal with surging COVID-19 cases.

As promised by the legion, there were many of the traditional elements of the ceremonies, such as the playing of the Last Post and the singing of In Flanders Fields.

But a planned flyby of military aircraft over downtown Ottawa was cancelled due to the weather.