Norfolk County War Memorial, Carillon Tower turns 100

Norfolk County will mark the 100th anniversary of its War Memorial, the Carillon Tower, with a rededication ceremony and community parade on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. 

The event will include a downtown parade featuring bagpipes, colour party (carrying national flags and banners), military representatives, and community members, culminating at the tower in time for a 1 p.m. ceremony. Wreaths will be laid by descendants of the original Silver Cross Mothers who dedicated the tower’s plaques in 1925, 1948, and 2014. Specially arranged music will be played on the carillon and a song written for the occasion will be performed by the Carillon100 Choir of West Lynn Public School. A public reception will follow at the Simcoe Legion, with displays from local organizations. 

Unveiled on June 17, 1925, the 60-foot stone tower honours 365 residents who died in war and has stood for a century as a symbol of remembrance and community identity. One of only 12 carillons in Canada, the tower features a clock and 23 world-famous bells that ring out melodies throughout the year. 

The centennial ceremony has been designed to echo the original dedication, which featured 500 veterans, students, and dignitaries. This year’s commemoration also includes a specially designed program with cover art by local artist Ian Bell, inspired by the original 1925 lithograph by Eva Brook Donly, a centenary pin featuring the tower and based on Norfolk’s Own 133rd Battalion crest, and a full-colour historical publication to be distributed to area school children.   

The Carillon Tower will also be featured on downtown Simcoe banners this spring as part of a seasonal campaign by the Simcoe BIA. 

Quotes 

Mayor Amy Martin 
“The Carillon Tower stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and community spirit. As it turns 100, we reflect on its legacy and the values it represents. Norfolk County is proud to celebrate this milestone and recognize the generations who have preserved its meaning.” 

Melissa Collver, Director, Heritage and Culture 
“We want to acknowledge the important role this structure has played in the area for the past 100 years while encouraging the next generation to embrace its history and one day take on the responsibility of preserving the tower and its message of remembrance.” 

James Christison, Curator, Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum 
“The rededication ceremony is a chance to connect today’s community with those who stood here a century ago. It’s about continuity, pride, and our pledge to never forget.”