Thousands of people came to pay their respects on Sunday, even if they didn’t know who they were paying them to.

Veterans and regular citizens came to Kelowna City Park Sunday morning to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Between the traditional laying of the wreaths, the moment of silence and the parade, a few unscheduled moments took place as well.

A young man, dressed in torn jeans and a ski jacket with a poppy on the front of his coat, stopped a wheelchair bound veteran as he crossed the street. The reason? He just wanted to shake the man’s hand. They had never met and didn’t exchange names.

“That’s what today is about,” the veteran remarked to his companion as the young man left. “It’s reassuring to see some young people still remember.” Padre Bishop Fraser Berry told the crowd why Remembrance Day is so important.

“The ranks of those who served is growing thinner every year. We must use this day as reminder not to let their memories fade entirely. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice should always be remembered,” says Berry.

Prayers were made for those currently serving in Afghanistan just before the some 2,500 people present bowed their heads and observed two minutes of silence.