BARRIE, Ont. – In the heart of this city on the south shore of Lake Simcoe, hundreds gathered in the falling snow, families wearing their poppies, veterans saluting, and children learning what remembrance truly means.
The crowd gathered despite the cold. Families, veterans and cadets lined up along Dunlop Street for the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony, led by Barrie Legion Branch 147.
Cadet corps, members with the Canadian Forces, and Boy Scouts were led by Steve Glover, the local legion’s public relations officer and branch historian, who also served as one of two MCs at the microphone.
Alongside Glover stood veteran and Blue Beret Robert George.
“It is a moment to honour our past, recognize our contributions,” George said. “And reaffirm the values from like so many people in life.”
Glover worked with parade marshal Fern Taillefer and the City of Barrie to organize the ceremony each year. For him, the day carries deep personal meaning.
“My dad served in World War Two,” he said. “I have his war letters home to his mom.”
In one letter, his father wrote: “Mom, if you're not sitting down, please do. I’ve enlisted.”
Glover said his father’s service shaped his life.
“I often ask myself: Do I think I could do two or three days of, you know, being out there as a soldier like he did,” he said. “My dad had to do that for several years. And I can't imagine having to ever to have done something like what he did.”
When his father died, Glover’s mother entrusted him with the letters. “I wrote out all those letters and gave them as a gift to my siblings,” he said. “And later to my children as well.”
Standing in the crowd, retired Master Cpl. Karen Parrott reflected on her 21 years of service.
“I was the first woman in my trade to be posted to the Royal Canadian Dragoon Armour Corps Regiment,” she said.
Parrott served as a peacekeeper in Israel and Bosnia. Her partner, Cpl. Stephane Therrien served 13 years, including the Persian Gulf War.
“Nobody wins in war,” Therrien said. “The people that are suffering the most are the people, the civilians.”
For Glover, remembrance is also about education. “I wish more people remembered other times of the year,” he said.
He hopes future generations, especially new Canadians, will learn that history. “It’s important for them to know the roots of the country they’re serving,” he said.
As The Last Post echoed, veterans saluted and children stood in silence. For a moment, Barrie stood still, remembering together.
“Even in the worst weather,” Parrott said. “People come out and support, and I just think it's beautiful.”
