More than 500 people gathered in Victoria Park in Cobourg on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, to honour the men and women who served Canada and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The annual Remembrance Day service brought together veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, dignitaries, cadets, schoolchildren, families and residents from throughout the community.
The ceremony began with the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums leading the parade down King Street. Marching behind them were veterans, soldiers, dignitaries and cadets as members of the public lined the street to watch and pay their respects.
The procession continued to the cenotaph in Victoria Park, where a large crowd had gathered for the service.
Four members of 598 Sabre Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets were already positioned around the cenotaph as the Honour Guard.
The Honour Guard members were Flight Corporal Blower, Corporal Frenke, Warrant Officer Wood and Corporal Blanchard.
Among those attending were numerous schoolchildren accompanied by their parents, providing a reminder that Remembrance Day is not only about honouring the past but ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms Canadians enjoy today.
Cobourg Legion member Jaye Bevan once again served as master of ceremonies, a responsibility he has held for the past 23 years.
The Concert Band of Cobourg’s Chris Devlin performed the Last Post, creating a solemn moment of reflection as those gathered paused for two-minutes to remember the fallen.
Cobourg Legion Chaplain William Simon delivered an address that reflected on the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans, the importance of democracy and the continuing responsibility to protect peace.
In his remarks, Simon said:
“In the spirit of the times we live, let me first say a grateful thanks to members of our armed forces, both past and present for their sacrifices, dedication and loyalty to the protect of our freedoms, for everyone of our brothers and sisters we share our island home with; especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their life for ours. May we ask the spirt of peace to descend on this world we live and flood our hearts to live in peace and harmony with each other.
We stand here today because those who fought in great conflicts did so with a community sensibility and profound vision: to secure an everlasting peace, safeguard democracy and build a better, more prosperous life for the generations to follow. They endured unimaginable darkness so that their children could live in the light.
Their vision is to have an everlasting peace. This has done many times over by dismantling the machinery of war, replacing conflict with diplomacy and global cooperation. They found to ensure that the power of governance remained in the hands of the people, protecting fundamental human rights against tyranny and oppression. These sacrifices were made to build a future defined by opportunity, equality and progress.
We come here today to understand and appreciate those who have served Canada in times of war, in times of armed conflict and times of peace; what they have stood for and what they have sacrificed for their country. We come here today to express our deep appreciation for each of them and stand united together; for the most heartfelt expression of adoration for their sacrifices.
However, we see the echoes of that darkness returning in new forms. We face deep political polarization, threats to democratic institutions, economic hardships and global instability. This is why moments like today are important, for out of the darkness comes light; despite these struggles. Their foundational vision remains a beacon of hope for us all. The resilience they have demonstrated reminds us that peace and democracy are not passive inheritances; they are active, daily pursuits.
Just as light inevitably pierces the darkest night, our continued commitment to justice, unity, and progress ensures that their sacrifice was not in vain; that we may through their sacrifices and remembrance ever be reminded that we have the power to overcome any challenge we face.
Many of us have histories in our families, friends who serve and have served; it is important that we no longer remain distant to these people who called us friends. Because in being our friend, they gave us their love. For me, that love turned into one of the reasons I stand here with you today. It is also the reason that we must choose to recall the unpleasant moments; so that they might never be forgotten and from that emerges an understanding of the past, so that we never repeat it. May we never forget.
We will remember them.”
As the service continued, those gathered stood together in remembrance of the generations of Canadians who answered the call to serve, whether during times of war, armed conflict or peace.
The large turnout reflected the importance Remembrance Day continues to hold in Cobourg, where the community came together once again to ensure the sacrifices of veterans and fallen soldiers are never forgotten.
More than a century after Canadians first went to war overseas, the message remains as important as ever: we must remember those who served, honour those who never returned and protect the peace and freedoms for which they sacrificed so much.
Lest we forget.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
