I was providing support at the Ad Adstra ceremony this afternoon – a solemn occasion at best as thousands of people gather to dedicate granite bricks engraved with the name of a serving or past member of the Canadian Air Force.

It was raining lightly on and off, an overcast early fall day that looked cold, a day suitable for remembrance.

It was in fact a miserably warm and humid day to be standing, so much so that during the ceremony two flag bearers collapsed – one, who was elderly did not survive. I watched as the paramedics fought to save his life, a very poignant scene in the midst of those gathered to celebrate the lives and sacrifices of others.