Woodstock honours local veterans with new commemorative crosswalk at cenotaph

The City of Woodstock is paying tribute to local veterans ahead of Remembrance Day with a commemorative crosswalk at the cenotaph in Victoria Park.

The new crosswalk is located at the corner of Graham Street and Buller Street and features a red and white striped pattern, with the silhouette of a soldier and the phrase “Lest We Forget” at each end.

“Similar styles of crosswalks have been installed in many cities across Ontario. We consulted with our local Royal Canadian Legion Branch #55 to ensure this is a functional, respectful and meaningful memorial,” said Jeff Molenhuis, Director of Public Works.

The installation of the crosswalk coincides with the 100^th anniversary of Woodstock’s cenotaph, which honours local service members who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the war in Afghanistan.

The new crosswalk is a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country. Together with the cenotaph, the memorial invites us to reflect on their unwavering courage and their commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of people around the world.

In 2023, the City also collaborated with the Legion to create banners honoring more than 60 local veterans. The banners will be displayed on light poles throughout downtown later this month.

The City’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the cenotaph on Tuesday, Nov. 11, starting at 10:30 a.m. More information about the ceremony can be found at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/remembranceday.