Remembrance Day
Every year, Barrie's Royal Canadian Legion Branch and the City of Barrie join communities across Canada in commemorating
Remembrance Day.
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe a moment of silence to honour all who have fallen and acknowledge the courage of those who have served for our freedom. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
As you travel downtown and along the waterfront, you will notice a series of Remembrance Day banners on display that pay respect to our local veterans.
Did you know? The poppy symbol is included on signs of streets that have been named in honour of local war veterans. View map of Barrie streets named for soldiers.
How to Participate in 2020
Following the advice of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the City of Barrie is asking residents to pay their respects from home or virtually. To protect the health of our local Veterans and community members, there will be no in-person, public ceremony at the Memorial Square Cenotaph in downtown Barrie and the public are advised not to gather at the Cenotaph.
Local Ceremony
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 (Barrie) is hosting a private ceremony starting at 10:45 a.m. on November 11 and the public are invited to tune in from the safety of their home. Featured on:
At 11:00 a.m., local churches will ring their bells in remembrance as was heard throughout Europe at the conclusion of WWI and WWII. This includes Collier Street United Church, Trinity Anglican Church, St. Margaret's of Scotland Anglican Church, St. George's Anglican Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church, and West Side Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Wreaths
Laying of the wreaths is typically a significant part of the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Members of the community, local organizations, or businesses that would like to place a wreath at the Memorial Square cenotaph are asked to make arrangements in advance.
Wreaths can also be dropped off at the Legion Hall (410 St. Vincent Street, driveway entrance off of Ferris Lane) between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on November 10 or prior to 9 a.m. on November 11. Following the ceremony, the wreaths will be respectfully placed at the Memorial Square Cenotaph in downtown Barrie and anyone wishing to keep their wreath can pick it up from the downtown Cenotaph on November 12.
Other Ways to Remember
Here are a few other ways that you can safely reflect, honour, and remember on November 11th:
- Tune in to the National Remembrance Day Ceremony
- Observe 2 minutes of silence at 11 a.m. from wherever you are
- Wear a poppy and support the Poppy campaign
- Reach out to a Veteran by phone or email to say thank you
- Learn about Remembrance Day and the stories of those we honour:
- Enjoy virtual storytime with the Barrie Public Library's November Reading Champions featuring:
- Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion with Fern Taillefer, Barrie Legion Member
- In Flanders Field: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae with Steve Glover, Barrie Legion Public Relations Officer and Historian
- Brick Bradford, Flying Ace: Adventures of a Boy Who Fell in Love with Flying with Bill Sergeant, Barrie Legion Member and President of the Royal Canadian Air Force 441 (Huronia) Wing
- Send a note to a Veteran through Postcards for Peace (students)
- Submit a photo of a relative or friend to be included on the Virtual Wall of Honour & Remembrance
The Act of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.