By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On the evening of November 10, 2024, Burlington cadet units gathered for an overnight vigil next to City Hall in Veteran Square, where the Burlington Cenotaph stands, to honour the men and women who have served Canada, defending the freedoms and values that Canadians hold dear. This solemn event, hosted by Captain Shawn Fowler, began at 5:45 p.m. and continued until the Remembrance Day service on November 11. The tradition, started over 20 years ago by the 715 Mohawk Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, has grown to include Army, Air, and Sea Cadets from the Burlington area.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns were in attendance, along with veterans and the families of cadets, who joined together to show respect for those who have served. During the vigil, cadets from the 2379 Army, 715 Air, and 65 Sea Cadets took turns standing guard, with approximately 40 cadets rotating through one-hour shifts throughout the night. “They don’t have to be here,” remarked Lieutenant Navy Elliott, highlighting the cadets’ dedication and pride in honouring Canadian veterans.
Canon Stuart Pike from St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Burlington shared a message about the deeper significance of the word “vigil,” saying, “Vigil is how we stand guard for our country, for our community.” He also led prayers, offered remarks, and concluded with a benediction that underscored the spirit of remembrance. This year’s vigil also marked two significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The event concluded the next morning with Burlington’s Remembrance Day parade and service. Lieutenant Navy Elliott praised the cadet program as “the best program that no one knows about,” emphasizing the powerful opportunities it offers to youth, ages 12 to 19, in skill-building and community service.
As dawn broke, the cadets stood in solidarity with veterans and community members, embodying the commitment to remembrance and Canadian values with the words, “Lest We Forget.”
