Town of Caledon unveils plaque honouring No. 2 Construction Battalion

August 6, 2026 · 0 Comments

By KATHRYN FRASER

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The town of Caledon installed a new plaque to remember those who served in No 2 Construction Battalion.The plaque was installed at the Cenotaph near Town Hall, commemorating both the people who served their country and the story of Thomas Bush, a member of the Caledon community who served in the First World War

Kevin Junor, a retired Armed Forces Captain and member of the External Ministerial Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism, was there to oversee the installation of the plaque and is hopeful that this is just the beginning of recognition for the members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.

With Emancipation Day taking place on Aug. 1, this plaque not only serves as a reminder of Canadian History but also plays an important role in teaching future generations about the No. 2 Construction Battalion.

“I think it is important for people to reflect on the legacy, courage, and resilience of the men who served in No. 2 Construction Battalion,” says Junor. “In the context of emancipation, people of African descent had regained their freedom and the right to pursue a quality of life like everyone else across the British Empire including Canada. These men when the First World War started chose to serve and fight for King and country.”

In early 2025, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the soldiers of Battalion No. 2 would be honoured this year, which marks the 110th anniversary of its formation.

This plaque is not the only one there, as it accompanies two other special plaques that have been assigned to the cenotaph and give proper recognition to the members who deserve to be remembered for their bravery.

“It’s significant in how it’s placed. The plaque is placed at the cenotaph, and the cenotaph is the place where people go to remember, men and women who served, king, queen, country,” says Junor. “And the plaque for No 2 wasn’t placed in an obscure location where it separates from the cenotaph but in a place at the cenotaph where all members who served are remembered. I think it’s significant that it is at the cenotaph, showing that there is inclusion. There is a separation anymore. They were segregated as a unit, but we remember them as Canadians.”

Although the new plaque is a step in the right direction, it does not mean that this is the end, but instead the beginning of a new direction and remembering those who chose to fight and give up their lives for their country.

Junor hopes that those who come look at this plaque will not only remember those who were part of No. 2 Construction Battalion, but also get people to learn more about Canadian History, even if it may be areas that need to be learned from to make new changes.