Warrant Officer Eduardo Wells of the 2919 Grey and Simcoe Foresters took the first shift.
He began standing guard at the Barrie cenotaph at 8 p.m. Friday night as part of a series of rotating, one-hour turns for Army, Navy, Sea and Navy League cadets who kept vigil through the night to honour our fallen soldiers.
"This is to represent what has gone on in the past, previous wars, and for us cadets, shows that we do care what's happened in the past for the fallen soldiers. That we are proud of being Canadian and this is in remembrance of those who have passed before us," said Wells.
Navy League cadets are the youngest at aged 9-12 and Air, Army or Sea cadets are 12 -18.
The overnight vigil is a tradition that's held at many cenotaphs and Barrie's began six years ago when some officers pitched the idea.
Captain Shannon Bonnar of the 2919 Grey and Simcoe Foresters was one of them, viewing it as a great opportunity to honour our fallen heroes.
"A lot of cadet corps do it as our way to contribute back and to say thank you, to remember the past and to enforce that to the young kids as well and teach them. "
Five cadets each took one hour shifts and Bonnar says volunteers were turned away due to the large numbers of young people keen to participate.
"It's a very important milestone for them to come and participate in this and be part of a greater cause," she said.
Wells sees the vigil as very important, not only for him personally, but for younger generations.
Personally, I don't have anyone that has served but I know people that have served. People that are very dedicated so in order to show them my dedication I volunteered for this," he said.
"It's extremely important to pass message on, for new generations to know the importance of Remembrance Day," said Wells.
"I see this is a personal time that I can reflect upon that I can improve on. A time to reflect upon what has been done for me in the past for me to have the freedom I have today."
Barrie's Remembrance Day ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Square.
