Premier Dalton McGuinty presented the first "Tribute to the Fallen" plaques at a special ceremony Friday to commemorate the 17 Ontario soldiers who have died in the line of duty since 2002.

Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of Canada's defence staff, and Major-General Richard Rohmer are joining McGuinty at Queen's Park.

The soldiers' families will accept the plaques, which commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of not just fallen military personnel, but also firefighters and police officers.

"We are going to remember their footprint in the sand, their legacy that they have left us," Hillier told the families.

"We thank them for that, and our commitment is they'll never be forgotten.

"To the families, your courage and your dignity have inspired us all through what I know are the most difficult days of your lives."

McGuinty said those who died in Afghanistan paid the "the ultimate sacrifice."

"We are here today because love has brought us," he told the gathering.

The framed tribute consists of a specially designed trillium and a brass plate with a commemorative inscription.

Remembrance Day ceremonies were held throughout GTA schools Friday, including at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Oshawa, where students shouted their support to soldiers in Afghanistan via video link on CTV's Canada AM.

Bernard Nadjiwon, who served in the Second World War, said he hopes soldiers will return home safely soon.

"I urgently ask that you young people pray through God, as you understand Him, that this bloodshed will soon be over," he told the students.

A list of the Ontario soldiers killed in service since 2002 and their hometowns:

• Private Blake Neil Williamson, 23, Ottawa
• Trooper Mark Andrew Wilson, 39, London
• Corporal Robert Thomas James Mitchell, 32, Owen Sound
• Private Josh Klukie, 23, Shuniah
• Corporal Glen Arnold, 32, McKerrow
• Private David Byers, 22, Espanola
• Private Mark Anthony Graham, 33, Hamilton
• Private William Jonathan James Cushley, 21, Port Lambton
• Major Paeta "Wolf" Hess-von Kruedener, 43, Burlington
• Corporal Trevor Sterling McDavid, 31, Sudbury
• Corporal Anthony Joseph Boneca, 21, Thunder Bay
• Corporal Matthew David James Dinning, 23, Richmond Hill
• Corporal Randy Payne, 32, Gananoque
• Lieutenant William Turner, 45, Toronto
• Private Robert Costall, 22, Thunder Bay
• Corporal Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger, 29, Ottawa
• Sergeant Marc D. Léger, 29, Lancaster