Cadets stand guard overnight at Burlington Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day

Tonight air, army and sea cadets will be standing guard at the Burlington Cenotaph as they have every year prior to Remembrance Day.

The ceremony began at 5:45 p.m. and will be followed by an overnight vigil.

The vigil has been happening in Burlington, Ont. since the early 1990s.

From the commanders to the cadets, they say they’re proud to honour those who served Canada during past conflicts and peacetime.

More than 60 cadets will take post at the Cenotaph throughout the night.

During each shift, four cadets will stand guard at all four corners of the cenotaph with a commander.

CHCH News spoke with Commanding Officer Capt. Shawn Fowler of the 2379 Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps about the vigil and its significance.

“I think the cadets feel a sense of pride and being able to recognize people that have gone before, that have done things that they may aspire to do or that just inspire them overall. Some, like myself, have family history where they’ve got relatives or past friends and family that have served in different capacities over many, many years.

“My personal family service goes back to World War I with my great-great-uncle and two great grandfathers. World War II I have eight great uncles, two grandfathers,” said Capt. Fowler.

Multiple units across Ontario will be standing guard overnight, including in Stoney Creek, Streetsville and Owen Sound.

READ MORE: Remembrance Day ceremonies across Hamilton, Halton, Niagara