Kitchener unveils veteran’s memorial crosswalk

The time is fast approaching when there will be no one left with firsthand knowledge of World War II, a revelation that gives added significance to initiatives like the commemorative veteran’s crosswalk on East Avenue in Kitchener.

The Royal Canadian Legion Fred Gies Branch 50 and Polish Veterans Branch 412, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, local veterans and dignitaries were on hand for the unveiling ceremony on Monday near Borden Avenue.

Speaking at the event, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic spoke about how it was Ward 7 Councillor Bill Ioannidis who brought the idea forward.

“When councillor Ioannides put forth his motion to explore this commemoration of veterans, council unanimously and enthusiastically supported this project. I want to thank Councillor Ioanidis for his initiative and leadership for bringing this motion forward, and council for their collective leadership by prioritizing this meaningful commemoration.”

Vrbanovic went on to praise the groups responsible for making the crosswalk a reality: Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Regimental Trust, Melloul Blamey Construction | Melloul Blamey, and the 78th Fraser Highlanders – Fort Conestoga Garrison.

When it came to choosing the proper location, Vrbanovic said it was an easy decision.

“The crosswalk’s location at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium is significant as the auditorium was purposely built and opened in 1951 following World War II as a living memorial to honour local veterans. Serving as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and a meaningful landmark in our community.”

The importance of the moment wasn’t lost on local veteran Christopher Pickering, who was at Monday’s ceremony.

“We tend, as the years go by and the older veterans die, that the memory of what the war was all about tends to fade because the stories don’t get told. So, having a visual reminder like this, there all the time, prompts people to think back on what it’s about and remember.”

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Remembrance Day 2025

There are a host of events planned around the region to commemorate Remembrance Day.

Kitchener:

The Royal Canadian Legion Fred Gies Branch 50 will hold its annual Remembrance Day March and Service with a parade starting from Ontario Street and proceeding along King Street and Frederick Street to the cenotaph on Duke Street.

Waterloo:

The parade will leave Bridgeport and Regina at 10:15 a.m., headed for the Waterloo Cenotaph beside Waterloo City Hall.

The city is inviting residents to view the Remembrance Every Day “Garden of Poppies” installation at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery. It features over 500 poppies made by local artists. The installation can be seen at Waterloo City Hall

Cambridge:

There are ceremonies taking place at Legions in Hespeler, Preston and Galt.

There will be road and lane closures around the cenotaphs across the region. Drivers will need to use extra caution navigating those areas.

Grand River Transit users will notice a few disruptions and detours due to those road closures. Riders should be aware that service will pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. and there will be no ION service running between Grand River Hospital and Mill Stations for the events at the Duke Street cenotaph from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Veterans, reservists and active members, along with one companion and family members of deceased veterans, can ride GRT and GO Transit for free on Remembrance Day.