About 100 socially-distancing residents showed up in New Toronto for sombre Remembrance Day ceremonies in front of the former Eight Street Cenotaph.

The Cenotaph was a fixture for annual Remembrance Day events for more than 30-years in front of the former Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101, at 150 Eighth Street.

It was recently moved to a highly visible location in Col. Samuel Smith Park, on Lake Shore Blvd. W., just east of Kipling Ave.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 643 performed the service to remember those who lost their lives in battle and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Residents attending the hour-long service were wearing masks and spread apart in the spacious park due to COVID-19, which led to the cancellation of many Remembrance Day services across the country.

People were encouraged to stay at home and watch the service virtually. This was one of the few services available to physically attend this year.

It was respectful and sombre as those gathered recited Flanders Fields; watched quietly as wreaths were laid at the foot of the Cenotaph and a benediction said for those who gave their lives and their families.

“It was a beautiful service,” admits Brian Tye, who was there to pay respect to his dad, a former military man. “It has been a while since I have seen something like this. It was fantastic.”

Donna Sampson, president of Branch 643, was pleased with the service.

“We didn’t advertise. People just came out to pay their respects,” Sampson says.

Many in the community welcome the new site for the iconic Cenotaph, which was a gift from the community when positioned outside the former Branch 101 almost 40-years ago.

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski was there to lay a wreath on behalf of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA), which he chairs.

“Plans are already being made for a sunrise service next year right here,” he says.

Councillor Mark Grimes said landscaping will be done to beautify the site and a paved walkway is being added.

Others want lights added and a bench by the sidewalk turned to face the Cenotaph.

It was encouraging for many to see at least three classes of students from area schools being brought to the Cenotaph by their teachers to pay their respect and learn a history lesson.