[RACooper]

I wasn't making a "dig" at the US service - it's just by comparison is more patriotic/nationalistic in flavour...

How to explain.... hmmm - okay for example the US service seems to be strictly focused on US personnel and American casualties - whereas the Remembrance Day service not only focuses say on Canadian personnel and casualties but on also on the 'British Empire/Commonwealth', Allies and even to some extent the 'enemy'.

One other signifcant difference is the fact that it is highly frowned upon for the political leader to give any political speaches.... or to participate in any greater capacity than laying a wreath - and finally there are a lot less national flags around at the service.