A quiet ceremony took place outside a historic residence in Kitchener, initiated by Reg Kirby, 83, who reminisces about his childhood while walking through his old neighborhood every Remembrance Day. This year, a security camera captured an unidentified individual placing a Canadian flag in the yard and saluting the house, a gesture observed by the homeowners for the past eight years. Kirby revealed that he has been the one leaving the flag, as the house holds sentimental value to him since he moved in with his family at the age of five.
His annual tribute honors his parents’ sacrifices and the bravery of his uncles and grandfather who served in wars. The tradition follows a Remembrance Day ceremony organized by Reg’s brother, Kerry, at the Veterans’ Green Interpretive Area since 2009. Kerry expressed surprise and pride upon learning about his brother’s gesture towards their childhood home, emphasizing the significance of the act.
Reg Kirby’s involvement in designating the St. Mary’s neighborhood as a Heritage Conservation area in 2009 showcases his dedication to preserving local history. Homeowner Bailey Binns-Franchetto expressed gratitude for the family’s gesture and community support in unraveling the story behind the flags in her garden, leading to a planned future meeting between the two parties. The heartwarming connection between the Kirbys and the homeowners has brought unexpected historical depth and tradition to light, creating a bond that transcends generations.