A Christmas Eve candlelight remembrance service returned to Mount Hope Cemetery on Wednesday evening, honouring Canadian veterans who spent past Christmases serving overseas and those who never returned home.
The vigil took place among rows of veterans’ graves illuminated by candles and Canadian flags at Mount Hope Cemetery, where more than 1,100 veterans are buried, making it one of the region’s most significant military resting places.
The event marked nearly a decade since the ceremony was first established.
This year’s gathering followed concerns that the tradition could fade after limited attendance in 2024.
“This was started about nine years ago, and last year only a few of us showed up,” said City Councillor Richard Carpenter, who helped revive the event.
“We couldn’t let it go. This isn’t a council event, it’s about making sure this continues.”
Carpenter said he coordinated the logistics to ensure the service could proceed, including arranging flags and candles, with support from local veterans’ organizations.
The Brant Naval Veterans Association and the Navy Club will now take responsibility for storing the materials and supporting the continuation of the vigil in future years.
The event recognizes the reality that many service members have spent Christmas in war zones, separated from their families.
“Soldiers have spent a lot of Christmases on the battlefield, not able to be home,” Carpenter said.
“This is a way to recognize those sacrifices, past and present, whether through peacekeeping missions or current conflicts around the world.”
Fred Beale, president of the Brant Naval Veterans Association, said the vigil carries deep personal meaning for him and his family.
“We call it ‘no stone left alone,’ especially at Christmas,” Beale said.
“No soldier should be here on their own at this time of year.”
Beale noted that several members of his family served in both World Wars, with impacts that extended long after the fighting ended.
He said those experiences continue to motivate his involvement.
“It’s not just about Remembrance Day,” he said.
“It’s about remembering these people year-round, and Christmas is important because they can’t be here to enjoy it.”
Beale added that the message of the service is simple.
“It’s peace on Earth.That’s what Christmas is about,” he said.
As darkness settled over the cemetery, attendees stood quietly among the candlelit graves, reflecting on the sacrifices made by veterans in Canada and abroad.
Organizers say the Navy League and Navy Cadets are expected to take on a greater role in future ceremonies, helping ensure the vigil continues in the years ahead.
