On Thursday, September 10, 2026, Manitobans gathered at Brookside Cemetery for the annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance, honouring the courage, service, and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans and fallen military personnel.

Held at Brookside Cemetery, located at 3001 Notre Dame Avenue, the evening ceremony brought together veterans, military representatives, dignitaries, and members of the community to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians in service to their country.

The ceremony began with an introduction by Master of Ceremonies David Pankratz, MLA for Waverley and Special Envoy for Military Affairs, followed by a traditional welcome to the territory from Elder Mike Calder and a spiritual reflection led by Captain Padre Enoch Lee.

Remarks were delivered on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville, Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight, David Pankratz, Mayor Scott Gillingham, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The service also included the Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, two minutes of silence, and the laying of wreaths on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, the governments of Canada and Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, Indigenous veterans, the Canadian Armed Forces, military families, peacekeeping veterans, and all veterans.

Brookside Cemetery holds a significant place in Winnipeg’s military history. Its Field of Honour contains more than 10,000 graves of veterans and service members.

For the annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance, volunteers placed more than 10,000 flameless, glowing LED tea lights to illuminate individual graves throughout the military burial grounds. Taller candles were also placed upon the Great Stone of Remembrance, Canada’s only Commonwealth War Graves Commission Stone of Remembrance, a memorial honouring those who lost their lives during the world wars.

The tradition began in 2012 as part of the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and has since become an annual occasion for remembrance in Winnipeg.

The 2026 ceremony also recognized the 70th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping Forces and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.

The Candlelight Service of Remembrance was an opportunity for the community to come together in a setting of reflection and gratitude, ensuring that the contributions and sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten.

The evening’s commemorations were supported by the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, the Canadian Cadet Organization, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scouts Canada, Brookside Cemetery staff and community volunteers.

As candles illuminated the Stone of Remembrance, the words inscribed upon it emphasize the importance of remembrance: THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

Heritage Winnipeg recognizes the importance of preserving historic places such as Brookside Cemetery, where the stories of those who served remain an enduring part of our city’s heritage.

Lest We Forget.

Featured Image: The Great Stone of Remembrance, September 10, 2026. Source: Heritage Winnipeg.