This Saturday, a silent procession will move through the heart of the city, a haunting tribute to Canadian soldiers lost over a century ago. Imagine encountering figures from the past, “ghosts” of those who served, walking among us with stories etched in time.
Around twenty individuals – members of the military, cadets, police, and fire services – will embody these fallen heroes. Each will carry a small card, a poignant reminder of a life cut short, bearing the soldier’s photograph, identification, and a glimpse into their personal story.
The idea was sparked by a similar, deeply moving commemoration in Britain marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Inspired by that artistic display, organizers envisioned a unique way to honor Canada’s war dead, a way to make their sacrifice visible and personal.
These aren’t actors reciting lines; they are individuals representing real men, stepping into their shoes to create a powerful, non-verbal experience. The participants hail from diverse backgrounds – veterans, reservists, and even a future air force pilot – united in their desire to remember.
The “ghost soldiers” will pause at three significant locations: the Sons of England Memorial on University Avenue (10 a.m.), the Ontario Veterans Memorial on Wellesley Street West (11 a.m.), and the 48th Highlanders Memorial, also on Wellesley Street West (noon). They will remain silent, their presence speaking volumes.
They will not carry weapons, avoiding any potential for misinterpretation. Instead, each will offer a “baseball card” or “hockey card” – a small, intimate portrait of the man they represent, detailing where he rests, if a grave is known. For some, the card will acknowledge they remain missing, lost to the ravages of war.
Among those remembered is Private Fred Lee, a machine gunner with the 172nd Battalion and a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers. Born in Kamloops, British Columbia, Lee was one of only three soldiers of Chinese descent to serve, and his fate remains a mystery.
He vanished during the brutal Battle of Hill 70, leaving no known grave. His name is now etched among the 11,285 others on the walls of the Vimy Memorial, a permanent testament to his sacrifice and the enduring weight of loss.
These men died in 1915, 110 years ago. This Saturday, their stories will walk among us, a solemn and unforgettable reminder of the price of peace and the enduring legacy of those who gave everything.
