The annual Canada Day Service in Folkestone which commemorates the 305 Canadian soldiers who died during WWI and are buried in the Shorncliffe Military Cemetery took place on Tuesday 1 July.

A memorial service takes place each year on or near Canada Day at the Canadian Servicemen’s graves at Shorncliffe, which is attended by local civic dignitaries, representatives from the Canadian High Commission and Canadian Provincial Governments, the local British Army Command, War Graves Commission and Veterans.

The Worshipful Town Mayor of Folkestone, Councillor Lucy McGirr, attended the service accompanied by the Councillors of Folkestone Town Council, Mrs Tracey Luke MBE DL, representatives of the Canadian High Commission, officers from the Canadian Forces Detachment in the UK, representatives of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, members of local ex-service associations and their Standard Bearers and local dignitaries. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas also paid tribute to the soldiers by providing musical support for the service.

Organiser, Corporate Support Officer, Georgina Wilson said: “Unfortunately, due to the extremely hot weather, this year we did not have children from local schools in attendance to lay posies on the graves of the Canadian Soldiers, as has been done every year since 1927.  The Service was still very moving, but we did miss the children’s act of remembrance however, the best decision was made to ensure the safety of the children.  We hope next year we can continue the tradition of laying posies”.

The current Town Mayor of Folkestone, Councillor Lucy McGirr, thanked past and present Regiments based at Sir John Moore Barracks for their support in enabling the annual Canada Day Commemorations to continue and said: “Let us all hope that we can continue this tradition for many, many years to come and pay tribute to the 305 Canadian Soldiers buried at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery.  The children may have been absent due to the heat, but their presence was felt, and we will continue the tradition of children playing a part in this Service and maintain the relationship between Folkestone and Canada.”