Barrie remembers its veterans on Remembrance Day

Barrie has placed 16 new flags in downtown in memory of those who served in world wars. Fri., Nov. 8, 2024. (Photo: City of Barrie)

Five young men will stand vigil at Barrie's Cenotaph to honour the heroes of the past.

This year marks the 106th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

To honour and recognize those who have served our country, Barrie's Royal Canadian Legion and Barrie join communities across Canada in commemorating Remembrance Day on November 11.

The five Cadets will stand at Memorial Square on Sunday from 7 p.m. to midnight, and on Monday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The public can participate by attending the Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday at 10 a.m.

The parade will start along Dunlop Street at Mulcaster and march towards Five Points intersection halting in front of the Cenotaph in Memorial Square for the ceremony. During the ceremony, a Feu De Joie (blank gunfire consisting of a rifle salute) will take place. Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. followed by the laying of wreaths.

Each fall, the city displays Remembrance Day flags throughout the downtown and waterfront. This year, 16 new flags were added to the series honouring local veterans, and flag locations and details can be viewed on an interactive map.

The following road closures - with no on-street parking - will be in effect from 6 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday:

• Dunlop Street from Clapperton Street to Mulcaster Street
• Dunlop Street from Mulcaster Street to Poyntz Street
• Owen Street from Collier Street to Dunlop Street

The intersection of Dunlop Street East and Mulcaster Street will remain open for northbound and southbound traffic along Mulcaster Street until 9:30 a.m. At that time, the intersection will be closed until approximately 12:30 p.m. to facilitate the parade's movement towards Meridian Square.

The closure impacts Mulcaster Street from Collier Street to Dunlop Street, and Mulcaster Street from Dunlop Street to Lakeshore Mews to allow the parade to pass safely through the intersection at Dunlop Street and Mulcaster Street.

Members of the community, local organizations or businesses who would like to lay a wreath at the Memorial Square Cenotaph, are asked to call the Legion at 705-728-1412 to make arrangements in advance in order for their wreath to be respectfully placed prior to the ceremony.

Requests should be submitted by Saturday at 1 p.m. The wreaths will be removed on Wednesday at noon. The public is reminded if they would like to keep their wreath to please pick it up beforehand.

Veterans also ride Barrie Transit free of charge, with one companion, all day on Remembrance Day by showing anything that identifies their status as a veteran.