Garrison parade remembers those who served

On a cold, wet, November Sunday, they gathered to remember.

The annual garrison parade of Hamilton and area veterans, garrison units and cadet corps marched from the John Foote V.C. Armouries down James Street North for a Remembrance service at Veterans' Place at Gore Park.

Hundreds of service personnel marched past a reviewing stand and returned salute with Hamilton native General Richard Rohmer, 98, who flew 135 missions in the Second World War, including on D-Day.

Among those laying wreaths at the cenotaph was 101-year-old Argyll Private Tony Mastromatteo, who came from Toronto with family to participate. He is the oldest member of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and one of only two alive who served in the Second World War.

Barry Gray is a Hamilton-based photojournalist at The Spectator. Reach him via email: bgray@thespec.com