Canadians mark Remembrance Day across the country [Video]

OTTAWA –

An echoing peal of cannon fire signalled the start of a moment of silence in St. John’s, N.L., and throngs of people along the city’s two main downtown streets fell quiet and bowed their heads.

Canadians gathered Monday in cities and towns across the country to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of the country’s values and principles.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon paid their respects in a Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

• In Pictures: Remembrance Day marked across Canada 

They were joined by this year’s Silver Cross Mother, Maureen Anderson of New Brunswick, whose two sons served in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Ron Anderson and Sgt. Ryan Anderson both died after a battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Their mother represented the mothers left behind by all service members killed in the line of duty.

The mournful sound of the Last …