On the event of the 100th anniversary of the First World War, a special commemorative ceremony will take place on July 28th, honouring those British Home Children who served or perished on the battlefields.

Don Cherry, Hockey Night in Canada commentator, will be on hand at this special commemorative service partnered by Black Creek Pioneer Village and the British Home Children Advocacy and Research Association. Mr. Cherry’s grandfather, Richard Palamountain, was a British Home Child who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War.

BHC descendant and initiator of British Home Child Day in Ontario, former MPP Jim Brownell will be joining Mr. Cherry as a guest speaker. Mr. Brownell is now honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Glengarry Highlanders.

George Beardshaw, surviving British Home Child and Second World War veteran is our very special guest.

The York Regional Police Male Chorus will also be participating in the event as well as cadets from Camp Borden and Ceremonial Unit of Commissionaires Great Lakes to present a colour guard. Other guest speakers will be piped in by members of the White Heather Pipes and Drums. A Roll of Honour plaque will be unveiled.

The bugler is from the Queen’s Own Rifles. Padre Gillian Federico will be providing the blessing.

From 1863 -1939, approximately 118,000 children were sent to Canada from the UK, Known as the British Home Children, they ranged in age from toddlers to adolescents, and were sent abroad by institutions such as Barnardo’s, Quarrier’s, The Salvation Army and the Church of England to become indentured farm workers and domestics. Some were welcomed into homes: many more endured the harshest of conditions.

When war broke out in 1914, many BHC saw an opportunity to return to their home country and enlisted as soldiers in an attempt to reunite with the families from whom they were taken. Almost 1000 British Home Children lost their lives in this war serving as Canadian soldiers.

Join us on July 28th, as we remember those British Home Children who served and those who gave their lives. The ceremony will include presentations, commemorative musical performances and the unveiling of the British Home Child Roll of Honour Plaque.

The commemoration ceremony will begin at 9:50 a.m. sharp on Monday July 28th at Black Creek Pioneer Village, 100 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto.

For a complete itinerary of the WWI Commemoration Ceremony please visit our website.

Black Creek Pioneer Village will be open from 10am-5pm for regular operation, but those wishing to attend the ceremony, the doors will open at 9:30am. Admission includes ceremony and entrance to the historic village for the day.