By Haldimand Press Staff
HALDIMAND—Following a year of extremely limited Remembrance Day ceremonies in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, legions across Haldimand County are preparing for a return to public Remembrance ceremonies this month.
Hagersville Legion Branch #164 will begin their service at the legion at 10:30 a.m. Once gathered, they will march to the cenotaph on Alma Street South at the park. A service will then be completed by the legion, with a limited number of wreaths laid in advance. The Hagersville branch members will also be making some additional visits around the community, although these remain limited due to ongoing restrictions. Additionally, the legion will be closed to the public following the ceremony.
“So glad things are getting back to somewhat normal,” said Hagersville Legion Member Jodi Yates. “We must continue to abide by the rules so next year we are able to do the full routine of Remembrance.”
She added, “Thank you to all for your continued support. We will remember them.”
Dennis Zebiere, President of the Caledonia Legion Branch #154 and Poppy Chairman, stated, “We introduced a modified Remembrance Day Ceremony at the cenotaph last year due to COVID restrictions. We will be holding a similar ceremony this November 11 at 11 a.m.”
Like Hagersville, Caledonia Legion members will lay the wreaths prior to the actual ceremony. Zebiere added, “We will not be parading again this year, but please join us to the extent that spacing can be maintained at the cenotaph.… Please join us back at the branch for camaraderie, keeping in mind COVID recommended procedures.”
Visitors to the branch following the ceremonies will need proof of full vaccination and the branch will have to adhere to limits on capacity.
The Dunnville Legion Branch #142 will be similarly open after their ceremony and is also hosting a banquet in the evening for their members.
“We’re trying to get it as near as possible with what we’re allowed to do,” said President John Woods on their aim to replicate the pre-COVID events with some safety measures such as distancing.
The Dunnville event will begin around 10:45 a.m. at the branch with a parade to the cenotaph in Central Park to begin the official ceremonies at 11 a.m. Dunnville will be laying their wreaths during the ceremony, so anyone interested in participating is asked to contact the legion in advance.
The Cayuga Legion Branch #159 will also be laying wreaths during their ceremony, and anyone interested in participating can contact the legion. Their ceremony will begin around 10:45 a.m. at the Cayuga Courthouse. Dawn Hunt, Bar Steward, noted that attendees should be masked or should keep social distancing. Additionally, the legion is not hosting its usual after-ceremony lunch due to capacity restrictions.
“It feels pretty good,” said Hunt on being able to hold a public ceremony again. “Although I wish it was more, and hopefully next year it can be more.
Selkirk and Jarvis, which do not have legions, have ceremonies planned for November 7. The Selkirk Chamber of Commerce and Selkirk Firefighters Association are hosting a parade leaving the fire hall at noon going to the Memorial Gates at 17 Main Street West. The Jarvis ceremony, hosted by the Lions, will begin at 1:45 p.m. at the cenotaph.
