Remembrance Day is a time to gather, reflect, and honour all those who have served and sacrificed to protect this great country we call home.
Around Haldimand, there are many opportunities to take part in 2024.
In Hagersville, Legion Branch 164 will be hosting a number of events.
This includes multiple school trips to the legion the week leading up to Remembrance Day, where students will be greeted by Reverand Peggy Bartlett for a program designed to help teach them about the importance of Hagersville’s veterans and military history.
Then, they will host their annual Veteran’s Appreciation Night on Saturday, November 9. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with the John Quinn Memorial Award handed out shortly after dinner.
The Hagersville Legion is hosting town services in Selkirk on Sunday, November 10, when they’ll meet participants at the fire hall at 11:15 a.m. to march to the cenotaph, and then in Jarvis later that same day, meeting at the Jarvis Public School at 1:30 p.m.
Finally, they host their annual service on Remembrance Day. It begins with a branch service at 10:30 a.m. followed by the march to the cenotaph for a service there. A reception will be held back at the branch afterward.
Branch 154 in Caledonia will be hosting their annual march to the cenotaph at the same time, meeting at the branch for 10:30 a.m. and marching along Caithness St. to the cenotaph.
“It will be a standard ceremony,” said Branch 154 President Dennis Zebiere. “There’s an open invitation for everyone attending to come on over and share in some camaraderie.”
Over in Dunnville, things will kick off for 10:30 a.m. as well at Branch 142.
“Our parade will take place as usual,” said Branch 142 President Debbie Vander Heide. “We’ll be leaving from the branch and marching to the cenotaph, having our Remembrance Day ceremony there at the cenotaph, and then that evening we have dinner for our veterans and their families and anyone who wants to participate.”
Vander Heide asked that interested residents sign up for the dinner to let the Ladies Auxillary know how many guests to expect. Veterans and their families/caregivers are free, while non-veterans are $25 a seat.
Vander Heide urged the community to always keep our veterans close to their heart.
“Take the time not only today, but every day, and remember,” she said.
In Cayuga, people are asked to gather at the cenotaph at the court house between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.
“Our ceremony starts just a little bit before 11, so we’re making the moment of silence right at 11 a.m.,” said Branch 159 President Jeff Hunt.
Following the ceremony, a lunch will be offered at the branch to “everybody and anybody” who wants to attend.
All local branches urged the community to donate to the Poppy Fund.
“Anywhere there’s a poppy box, that donation goes to the Poppy Fund,” said Hunt. “Now we have electronic boxes; you can do $2, $4, or $10. A lot of people don’t carry cash anymore.”
Those tap payment boxes are available at some local legions and businesses, like Cayuga LCBO. Visiting the Legion website at legion.ca will provide an opportunity to donate online without the need to seek out a physical location.
“That money is for vets and vet families throughout Ontario,” said Zebiere. “The Poppy Fund is totally in support of veterans. We have veterans with PTSD that require service dogs, and other activities to help them get back into regular life.”
Additionally, branches take donations toward their own operational expenses as well.
“We struggle, as all places do nowadays. Some people come in and say they’d like to donate,” said Hunt. “All donations are appreciated.”
He said that those interested in laying a wreath at the Cayuga cenotaph this year can purchase on from the branch for $50, with all funds donated back to the Poppy Fund.
Vander Heide encouraged those interested in donating to her branch to “just come in. If there’s no executive or secretary, just leave it with the bartender. She will get it where it needs to go.”
No matter where you choose to pay respects, make sure to do so, as we strive to remember those who laid down their lives so we can live ours freely today.
