Windsor remembers those who served in Boer War

Dignitaries gather to honour Boer War veterans in Windsor, Ont. on May 9, 2026. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the Boer War on Saturday morning.

Gathered in Jackson Park at the memorial dedicated to those who fought in the war, veterans of other conflicts, families, and officials held a ceremony.

Fought in South Africa, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the war included more than 7,000 Canadians who served, 48 of whom hailed from Windsor-Essex.

“This very monument we stand before was designed to honour the Canadian volunteers who served as soldiers of the British Empire during this war and was dedicated by the local military community in 1906,” he said.

“This memorial supports the Windsor boys who lost their lives in South Africa.”

Started in 1899, the war came not long after the Confederation of Canada and marked the first deployment of the country’s military.

The early part of Canada’s history is important to remember for Bonnie Burian, whose grandfather, James Merritt, served in the Boer War.

“He was one of the ones that went over. He was in the Calvary, so they had to take the horses with them,” Burian said after the service on Saturday.

“A lot of the horses didn’t survive the trip, but he was lucky to make it home.”

At the time, Burian said Merritt and fellow veterans from the community were greatly honoured.

A member of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, Burian said she’s glad to see those who served still remembered a century later.

She believes that the history of sacrifices, such as those made during the Boer War, should be a fundamental part of the education system.

When asked about how Canadians can continue to recognize their veterans, she said it’s by continuing to spread awareness.

“It’s important to remember your history and where we came from and how we got here, and this is partly how we got here,” Burian added.