The City of Windsor has officially begun its November Remembrance Day observances with a poignant ceremony centered around a newly painted commemorative sidewalk, setting the stage for a month dedicated to honoring Canada's military veterans.
A Symbolic Start to Commemorations
Dozens of community members gathered outside Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 in east Windsor on October 31, 2025, for a ceremonial walk along the vibrant new installation. The sidewalk now features bold red coloring with white lettering proclaiming "LEST WE FORGET" near the intersection of Wyandotte Street East and St. Louis Avenue in Windsor's Riverside neighborhood.
The event drew significant community leadership, including Mayor Drew Dilkens and city councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Gary Kaschak. A piper led the procession of guests, including those in uniform, along the freshly painted pathway and into the legion building.
Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice
Marty Flanagan, an executive member of Branch 255, articulated the profound significance behind the commemorations. "When somebody signs up for the military, whether it's during wartime or peacetime, they sign a blank cheque that could be up to and including their life, for the freedom of their country and the sovereignty of Canada," Flanagan stated.
He emphasized the importance of remembering all who served, noting "For those folks who have made that cheque out to Canada, we must celebrate them and remember them, especially those who have fallen in combat or have fallen afterwards, maybe through PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)."
Mayor Dilkens reinforced the community's commitment, declaring "We as Windsorites, as Canadians, we support our veterans." He added that the painted sidewalk serves as a visible reminder to passing motorists of "the work that the legion does to honour our veterans, to recognize those who serve."
Upcoming Remembrance Day Events
Windsor has organized several significant events throughout November to honor military service members:
Remembrance Day Ceremony
The official Remembrance Day service will occur at the Windsor Cenotaph in City Hall Square on Tuesday, November 11, beginning at 10:50 a.m.
The ceremony will be streamed live on the City of Windsor's Facebook page, while YourTV Cogeco will record and broadcast the full service at 1 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. on Remembrance Day.
Organizations and individuals wishing to lay a wreath during the service must pre-register with Bonnie Burian, secretary of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services committee, by calling 519-973-4057 or emailing bburian@cogeco.ca.
Museum Windsor Offerings
On November 11, Museum Windsor will provide special programming including free admission to the Chimczuk Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Two significant exhibits will open: 'Remembering the Brave: Indigenous Veterans Through History', focusing on contributions of local Indigenous veterans during conflicts, and 'Windsor's First World War in 13 Objects', a temporary display created by Western University students.
These commemorative activities ensure Windsor residents have multiple opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices made by Canadian military personnel throughout the nation's history.
