Quebec Restaurant Chain Serves Free Meals to Veterans on Remembrance Day – Montreal | The Canadian News

It is a common place for the men and women of the Canadian military to stop and eat something.

The restaurant La Belle et le Boeuf is located in the same city as the Royal Military College and its base, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

But on Remembrance Day, all military personnel, active and retired, receive their lunch free of charge.

“It is good to have it. It’s nice to be able to gather around the table and enjoy a good meal like this, ”retired Major Frédéric Jean told Global News.

He served in Haiti, Central Africa, and Afghanistan.

READ MORE: See the Montreal Remembrance Day ceremony at Place du Canada

”Remembrance Day is always a bit emotional. I think mainly about lost friends and recognizing the sacrifices that people made, ”he said.

Those sacrifices are well recognized by the restaurant owners. They have been serving active and retired members of the Armed Forces every Remembrance Day since 2017.

“I like to give back. I’ve had personal friends in the military and it’s given me a much greater appreciation, seeing all the smiles on these guys’ faces when they come in, ”Codey Daly, district manager, La Belle et La Boeuf, told Global News.

Today, they served more than 200 members of the Armed Forces.

Petty Officer Gino Lamarre served in Bosnia in the 1990s. Remembrance Day evokes many memories, especially towards his fallen colleagues.

“They give their life, and when you think about it, this is the biggest sacrifice you can make,” he said.

Daly says he plans to continue offering free meals at La Belle et La Boeuf on future Days of Remembrance for as long as possible.