Windsor Essex Remembrance Day 2021 Ceremonies, Services & Events
We’ve put together a list of Remembrance Day ceremonies, services and events happening around Windsor Essex in this Remembrance Day Events Guide. Each year on November 11th Canadians pay tribute to those in the military who made sacrifices, served and continue to serve our country in times of war and peace. All are welcome to join in honouring their contributions to the freedoms we hold dear here in Windsor Essex and across the country.
Remembrance Day marks the end of World War I (The Great War) in 1918 when the armistice (peace agreement) between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France was signed. The armistice took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning – the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
This year marks 100 years of the poppy representing a symbol of remembrance in Canada. The tradition of wearing poppies to honour millions of Canadian armed forces members past and present, started, following the First World War, on July 6, 1921.
Come honour the fallen and those who have served or currently serve while we remember the horror of war and encourage a world of peace. Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held at community cenotaphs and war memorials and other public places. Two minutes of silence, the playing of the Last Post, the recitation of In Flanders Fields, and the wearing of poppies are usually part of these Remembrance Day ceremonies.
City of Windsor Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
Windsor’s Remembrance Day service will take place on Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, pre-registered wreath bearers, and government officials will attend the cenotaph in Windsor (City Hall Square) for an outdoor service, observing all public health guidelines for in-person gatherings. Spectators are welcome to attend in person and are asked to protect vulnerable guests, including local veterans, by respecting best practices for social distancing and wearing masks where distancing is not possible.
For those uncomfortable with an in-person gathering but wishing to participate in the commemoration, the service will be broadcast live on YourTV and via Facebook Live on the City of Windsor’s Facebook page, making the ceremony available for residents to watch safely from their homes. YourTV will also rebroadcast the ceremony at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Riverside Remembrance Day Ceremony
The Riverside Legion Branch 255 will hold an indoor service for those who can’t make it to the downtown Windsor service. It takes place at the branch located at 5645 Wyandotte St E.
Free Admission to Museum Windsor
Museum Windsor is inviting the public to remember Canadian Veterans with free admission to both the Chimczuk Museum and François Baby House. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Windsor’s rich history and also to view their recently acquired Memorial Cross medal.
Amherstburg Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
Amherstburg’s Remembrance Day parade, service and wreath ceremony takes place on November 11. The parade will assemble at Roayal Canadian Legion Branch #157 at 10:30am and proceed to the Cenotaph in King’s Navy Yard Park for a brief memorial service. Afterwards refreshments and comradery will take place at the Legion. Masks and proof of vaccination are required. COVID restrictions and social distancing during the parade at at the Legion is required.
Belle River Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
Join the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 399 for the Remembrance Day Ceremony starting at 10:45pm at the cenotaph in Belle River (Belle River Rd. between Ouellette and St. Peter Street).
Comber Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
A Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph located in Veterans Memorial Gardens at 10:45am to pay tribute to those who sacrificed and currently serve in the Canadian Military. A light luncheon to follow at the Legion.
Essex Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
The Remembrance Day ceremony in Essex begins with forming up at Cenotaph at Essex United Church at 10:45am. Wreath laying and cenotaph service to begin at 11:00am. The Legion will be open following the ceremony.
Harrow Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
Royal Canadian Legion Harrow Branch 338 (Colchester) will hold a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph located at the parkette (Veterans Memorial Park) at 11:00am.
Kingsville Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
Kingsville’s Remembrance Day Service will take place front of the cenotaph at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 188 at 11:00 am and is open to the public. Please note, the Legion will not host any activities indoors following the service this year.
The Kingsville Military Museum adjacent to the Legion (Formerly Historical Park Museum) will be open for self-guided tours from 9 am – 1:00 pm, featuring many historical pieces highlighting the local military history of our Town. Entry is by donation. Masks are required to enter the museum.
Town of Lasalle Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 11
The Town of LaSalle, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, will host a Remembrance Day Ceremony on Thursday, November 11 at 11:00 am at LaSalle Cenotaph Park, 5950 Malden Road. The ceremony honours our Veterans who have fallen, and those who continue to serve Canada today.
Please note that those attending the ceremony must follow physical distancing guidelines, and must wear a mask at all times. For those who prefer to take part in the ceremony from home, the service will also be live streamed on the Town’s YouTube channel on November 11 at 11:00 am, and will remain on YouTube for viewing at any time.
Windsor Classic Chorale Lest We Forget Virtual Concert
The Windsor Classic Chorale has a tradition of presenting a concert every November to honour the sacrifices made by our Canadian soldiers in war. Although they were not able to have an audience hear them in person last year, they still continued the tradition with their virtual concert “Lest We Forget” broadcast. The program consists of “Armistice 1918” by Carnahan; “Requiem” by Hella Johnson; “In Remembrance” by Daley; and “After the War,” originally sung in the movie Passchendaele and arranged for choir by Mark Sirrett. The choral music selections are presented alongside readings and images from around Windsor-Essex commemorating our fallen soldiers. The concert can now be viewed anytime via the Windsor Classic Chorale YouTube channel.