Aurora War Memorial Marks 100 Years of Remembrance with Joint Commemorative Projects

The Towns of Aurora and Stouffville, and the Township of King, are proud to announce a collaborative initiative to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Aurora War Memorial in 2025.

Originally unveiled in 1925, the Aurora War Memorial was built through a joint effort by the communities of Aurora, Whitchurch, and King to honour local residents who served and sacrificed in the First World War. For a century, it has stood as a place of reflection and remembrance in Peace Park, Aurora.

To mark this historic milestone, the municipalities have come together to organize a series of commemorative projects and events. These include:

• An on-site exhibition explores how Aurora, Stouffville and King came together to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. Featuring artifacts from all three municipal collections, it tells the story of the memorial’s creation and Peace Park’s legacy. A traveling display and online version are in development.  

• Launching this fall, commemorative street banners bearing the names of those honoured on the War Memorial will be displayed prominently across Aurora, Stouffville and King.

• The Aurora Legion will lead a formal re-dedication and commemorative ceremony, open to the community on October 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Peace Park, followed by a community reception at the Aurora Legion.

This partnership reflects the enduring spirit of cooperation among the municipalities and their shared commitment to preserving local history and honouring veterans. Through these initiatives, the legacy of those who served will continue to be remembered and respected for generations to come.

The Aurora War Memorial is more than a monument — it is a symbol of our community’s remembrance. Collaborating with our neighbours in Stouffville and King on this meaningful initiative has been an honour. As we re-dedicate and unveil its restoration in celebration of its 100th anniversary, we come together in shared reflection to reaffirm our commitment to remembering those who served, their enduring commitment and their great sacrifice to achieve peace. This is a proud moment for our communities,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas.

“The rededication of the Aurora-Whitchurch-King War Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the profound sacrifices made during the First World War—a conflict that touched every community, including King. The names on this memorial reflect only a few of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, others are memorialized on cenotaphs and in church honour rolls throughout our community,” said King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “King Township is honoured to have worked alongside our friends in Aurora and Stouffville on this important project. In grief and remembrance, our communities are forever connected. Together, we ensure that the legacy of those who served is never forgotten.”

“Stouffville is proud to join with Aurora and King in marking this centennial. By coming together to reflect, remember, and honour, we strengthen the bonds between our communities and ensure that future generations understand the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt.

For more information on the Aurora War Memorial, please visit auroramuseum.ca