On Remembrance Day, Edmontonians came together to remember war heroes at ceremonies in and around the Capital Region.

Thousands showed up to one of the city's largest Remembrance Day ceremonies Thursday morning at the University of Alberta's Butterdome to remember our soldiers.

"It doesn't get easier. In fact, I think this was one of the hardest," said Kitty Elliott whose husband, brother and cousin were all killed in the Second World War.

The ceremony also focused on the soldiers still serving our country and making the ultimate sacrifice.

"Remembrance Day has always been very important to our family. Now it's sacred," said Sherry Clark whose son, Private Joel Vincent Wiebe was killed in 2007.

This Remembrance Day held new meaning for some young students who lost their former teacher last January. Marie Bolianatz' former teacher at St. Cecilia Junior High, Sgt. George Miok, was killed in Afghanistan.

"I think it's going be really important to us because we have someone close to our hearts to remember," said the 14-year-old student.

At the Kingsway Legion, it was an exceptionally sombre ceremony.

After nearly five decades of service the Kingsway Legion is slated for demolition. Supporters turned out to pay tribute to our country's war veterans.

"I belonged here for 50 years and it's pretty hard to move," said Cpl. Bob Storrier.

The legion is being torn down to make way for a new LRT line. A new $10-million facility for veterans is scheduled to open on the city's north side by 2012.

At the Ainsworth Dyer Memorial Bridge in Rundle Park, one cross was laid for each Canadian soldier lost in the war in Afghanistan. This year, there are 152 crosses.

"It refreshes their memory for people... I think it motivates them to actually remember -- where if you haven't had a war for 50 years it kind of dies out. This makes it fresh and I think that's good," said Aart Vansloten, who was to be Ainsworth's father-in-law.

Ainsworth Dyer was one of the first Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan in 2002.

Hundreds also gathered outside city hall including Second World War veteran Maurice White.

"Having my friends, especially my relatives come with me, it makes me feel honoured and makes it all worthwhile... it helps to make it worthwhile," said White.

West Edmonton Mall's Ice Palace was also crowded with supporters taking time to honour and remember Canada's war veterans and peacekeepers as the Jasper Place Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held its ceremony.

With files from Bill Fortier and Jessica Earle