Mysterious Visitor Leaves Flag and Salute in Kitchener

For the past eight years, a Canadian flag has been placed on the front lawn of a home in Kitchener, Ont., every Remembrance Day.

The residence belongs to Bailey Binns-Franchetto and her husband, situated in the St. Mary’s neighborhood – an area known for its heritage homes built after the Second World War.

“We thought it might be the city or someone from the neighborhood who goes around putting little Canadian flags on lawns,” Binns-Franchetto shared.

However, last year was when she realized that her house was the only one receiving a flag each Nov. 11.

This past Remembrance Day was different; their security camera captured the moment when the flag was placed.

The video shows a man using a cane, seemingly dressed in military attire, standing at the end of their driveway as he sets down the flag on their lawn. He then stands up straight and salutes their house before walking away.

WATCH | Security camera footage catches man placing flag on Kitchener lawn:

Mysterious man places flag and salutes Kitchener home on Remembrance Day

A family in Kitchener is trying to figure out who’s leaving a flag on their lawn each Remembrance Day. The owner of a historic Second World War-era home caught this year’s moment on camera, showing a man dressed as a soldier using a cane place the flag before giving a salute.

‘A heart-warming moment’

“It was just such a heart-warming moment,” said Binns-Franchetto.

“It looks like a veteran who came by to pay respect or have a quiet moment for probably someone who lived here before… And it was such a beautiful experience to realize he’s been quietly doing this all these years.”

Bailey Binns-Franchetto saved a cloth flag that was placed on her lawn last Remembrance Day. (Bailey Binns-Franchetto)

Neighborhood has rich history

The St. Mary’s area was “built to provide low-cost, affordable rental housing to soldiers returning from [the Second World War],” explained Michelle Drake, senior heritage planner with the City of Kitchener.

A number of homes were constructed there after concerns arose about potential post-war housing shortages. Drake mentioned that 210 houses went up between 1946 and 1948.

“There was an additional development after that … we now have 235.”

It would be nice to know who he is and why he comes.- Bailey Binns-Franchetto, owner of home where Canadian flag’s been mysteriously planted every Nov. 11

Drake noted that while specific details about previous owners aren’t available, often “those houses continued to be occupied by veterans and their families for many years.”

This leaves Binns-Franchetto curious about what connection this mystery veteran might have with her home since she only knows about its most recent owner.

Though she respects his private gesture, she’d love an opportunity to meet him.

“It would be nice to know who he is and why he comes,” said Binns-Franchetto.

<p“ I'd love if he'd ever feel inclined to share his story; I hope someone who knows him or sees [the video] could encourage him to come forward someday and say 'Hi.'”LISTEN | CBC K-W’s Joe Pavia explains mysterious flag at Kitchener home:

The Morning Edition – K-W4:49Kitchener woman hopes to solve mystery of who puts a flag on her lawn each NovemberFor eight years now, Bailey Binns-Franchetto has found a Canadian flag left on her front lawn in historic St. Mary’s neighborhood of Kitchener. CBC K-W’s Joe Pavia investigated it further to help uncover this mystery.

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