Hundreds of people gathered at the cenotaph in downtown Windsor to pay their respects during the Remembrance Day ceremonies Sunday.

People lined the streets, filled the seats and stood to salute those who served Canada in times of war.

Veteran Larry Costello was especially impressed with the turnout at the cenotaph by Windsor city hall.

"It did my heart good to see the turnout [Sunday]," he said. "I said to a young lady beside me, 'Do you think there's over 1,000?' They said, 'There's at least.' It was very heart-warming."

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis said the ceremony at the cenotaph by City Hall is important because so many people come out.

"I know the veterans and their families and their caregivers truly appreciate seeing that level of support from our community," Francis said. "And having that level of support increase every single year has touched the hearts of the veterans and it really sends a strong message to them."

After the ceremony, the Windsor Historical Society hosted its annual Veterans Family Day at the Serbian Centre. In Essex, a ceremony was held at the town's new cenotaph.

Essex Mayor Ron McDermott said it's important young people remember all those who fought in conflict.

"Everyone today — the parents, the teachers, everyone — is striking this home to our youth about the past and what the future's going to be like is in their hands," McDermott said.