As Canadians prepare to observe Remembrance Day, communities in the Waterloo Region are set to honor the sacrifices made by those who served in various capacities. Events are planned starting this weekend and culminating on Remembrance Day itself, marked this year on Tuesday.
Participating in Remembrance Day Events in the Waterloo Region
The Waterloo Region features a variety of ceremonies aimed at commemorating veterans. Here are some key events scheduled for this observance:
Early Events
- Indigenous Veterans Day: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Southern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, 745 Coronation Blvd, Cambridge. This ceremony honors First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans.
- New Dundee Ceremony: Saturday at 10:45 a.m. with a parade starting prior to the 11 a.m. ceremony at New Dundee Community Park.
- Elmira Ceremony: Sunday at 3 p.m. at 60 Memorial Ave., Elmira, featuring a service following a parade from the Elmira Branch, located at 11 First St. E.
- Tavistock Ceremony: Sunday at 1 p.m. at 223 Hope Street W., Tavistock.
- Candle Lighting Ceremony: Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, where attendees can light candles at dusk. Candles will remain lit until Wednesday.
Main Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Tuesday
Numerous ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Tuesday across various locations in Waterloo Region:
- Cambridge: Three ceremonies will occur:
- Galt: Parade at 9:45 a.m. from the Galt Legion, with a ceremony starting at 10 a.m. at the cenotaph.
- Preston: Parade at 10:30 a.m. beginning at the Preston Legion, proceeding to the cenotaph.
- Hespeler: Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the cenotaph at Queen Street E. and Tannery St.
- Kitchener: The Royal Canadian Legion, Fred Gies Branch 50, will hold a ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the reading of the fallen starting at 10 a.m. The parade will travel from Ontario Street to the cenotaph, where the service begins at 10:45 a.m.
- Waterloo: The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 530, hosts a ceremony starting with a parade at 10:15 a.m. The event will take place at the Waterloo Cenotaph at 10:30 a.m. A display of ceramic poppies will be available for viewing inside city hall.
- New Hamburg: The ceremony kicks off with a parade from the funeral home at 291 Huron St. at 10:05 a.m., culminating at the cenotaph for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Additional Ceremonies
Multiple services are also scheduled in Guelph on Tuesday:
- 8:55 a.m. at McCrae House on Water Street.
- 10:30 a.m. at the University of Guelph’s University Centre.
- 10:30 a.m. at the Sleeman Centre, followed by a parade to the cenotaph.
Other local events include ceremonies at:
- Aberfoyle: 10:30 a.m., Puslinch Community Centre.
- Elora: 10:45 a.m., 1 MacDonald Square.
- Salem: 9:30 a.m., Veterans Park.
- Rockwood: 10:55 a.m., Main Street S. and Guelph Street.
Coverage of Remembrance Day
For those unable to attend in person, CBC News will provide special coverage of the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, starting at 10 a.m. on TV, radio, and online.
Waterloo Region’s Remembrance Day ceremonies offer an opportunity for reflection and gratitude toward those who have served Canada in military operations and peacekeeping missions. Community participation is encouraged as residents come together to honor their sacrifices.
