Shorncliffe Military Cemetery
The Canada Day Service in Folkestone commemorates the 305 Canadian soldiers who died during WWI and are buried in the Shorncliffe Military Cemetery.
The memorial service, which takes place each year on or near Canada Day at the Canadian Servicemen’s graves at Shorncliffe, will be 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.
Children from local schools are to be positioned beside Canadian graves and will lay flowers, whilst the adults lay their wreaths on the memorial.
This tradition started in 1919 and the Mayor of Folkestone stated in 1927 that; “As far as Folkestone is
concerned, the ceremony should last as long as it is in the power of human beings to do so.”
This statement is strongly endorsed by all who participate in the ceremony today.
The service and ceremony will be held at the Military Cemetery today, Monday 1 July 2024 at 11.30am.
The Worshipful Town Mayor of Folkestone, Councillor Abena Akuffo-Kelly, will be attending the service and accompanied by the Councillors of Folkestone Town Council, representatives from the Canadian High Commission and the Canadian Detachment in the UK.
Members of the public are most welcome to attend the service.