Hundreds of people who turned out for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Corner Brook on Sunday had the opportunity to see two new statues built to honour military service.

'When a veteran shakes your hand and says, 'Thank you,' I find it's very overwhelming.'—Sculptor Morgan MacDonald

The full-sized bronze statues — one depicting a Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier from the First World War, the other showing a soldier in Afghanistan — had been officially unveiled on Saturday in Remembrance Square, near Corner Brook City Hall.

Sunday's parade and Remembrance Day ceremonies marked the first time many in the city saw the statues.

"They're beautiful. They're wonderful," said Cyril Quilty, who headed straight for the statues when he arrived at the square.

Veteran Hedley Smith said the statues add significantly to the city's tribute to those who have served.

"It's really a credit to Corner Brook," he said. "It's fabulous. The workmanship and the idea behind it [are] out of this world."

A campaign raised money to pay for the statues.

Sculptor Morgan MacDonald said the public reaction to the statues has made the work of the last year worthwhile.

"When a veteran shakes your hand and says, 'Thank you,' I find it's very overwhelming," he told CBC News.