107th Annual Hamilton Decoration Day Service

Residents are invited to attend the 107th Annual Hamilton Decoration Day Service on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Lower Field of Honour, Section 5A, Woodland Cemetery, 700 Spring Gardens Road.

Decoration Day is a tradition that began in 1871 to honour Canadian Militia members killed at the Battle of Ridgeway during the Fenian Raids of 1866. Families originally gathered to place floral tributes on graves and memorials as a symbol of respect, remembrance, and hope.

Today, the service honours Hamiltonians who died serving the country in all wars. In memory of those who paid the ultimate price, veterans’ graves at Woodland Cemetery will be decorated by cadets and youth with flags provided by the Hamilton Veterans Liaison Committee.

The service begins at 10:00 a.m., with the cadets and veterans parade to the Memorial Cross beginning at 9:45 a.m. Grave decorating by cadets will begin at 10:30 a.m.

An HSR bus shuttle will leave from the Dundurn Castle parking lot starting at 8:00 a.m. and will run throughout the morning. VIP parking is also available at Woodland Cemetery.