Planning for Remembrance Day services across the region is currently underway and will take place in Belle River, Woodslee and Comber.
The Belle River Legion ceremony will be packed full of activities and takes place on Tuesday, November 11th, starting with a parade from the Legion at 10:30 a.m., featuring the Windsor Regiment and Band leading the parade, as well as the Scottish Society Pipe Band marching in the rear.
After a procession to the Cenotaph, the service begins at 11 a.m., featuring a ceremony and wreath laying. The service ends with a march back to the legion and a luncheon afterward.
“So, we’re going to have a much bigger parade this year,” said Richard Brooks, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Belle River #399.
“This year, instead of recorded versions of Oh Canada and Reveille, the bands will be performing live with ceremonial gun salute during the service.”
Brooks also shares that the new veteran’s crosswalk will be featured at this year’s ceremony. Plans are also in the works for new flagpoles at the cenotaph and legion.
Additionally, if you haven’t noticed, a number of new banners featuring local veterans and Legion members have been installed on the outside walls of the branch.
“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback from the public with regards to the banners,” said Brooks. “It’s been a really great addition.”
Those interested in honouring a local veteran with a banner are asked to contact the legion.
Brooks adds that a new flagpole has also been donated and installed at St. Simon and St. Jude cemetery.
Poppy Campaign 2025
This year, the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign will run from the end of October until Remembrance Day. Legion #399 volunteers will be canvassing outside businesses in the Belle River and Emeryville areas on Friday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Nov. 1. During that period, the public will notice pop-up boxes in 90 local businesses and community service outlets.
According to Poppy chairperson Ken Krahn, this is the second year using tribute electronic boxes, which allow for a secure donation via debit or credit card in $5 denominations.
The Poppy Campaign is the cornerstone of the Legion Remembrance Program, giving Canadians the chance to remember the sacrifices of our veterans by wearing the iconic poppy and taking part in services.
The programs offer aid to veterans and their families and are treated with the respect they deserve. This tradition also encourages remembrance and appreciation for our youth – our future leaders.
Those wishing to commemorate a past or present member may do so by donating to the poppy fund for a cross, $40,small wreath $45 or large $60.
2025 Remembrance ceremonies across the region include: Woodslee Millen Group “Honours the Veterans” on Sunday November 2nd at 2 p.m., Libro Community Centre; 1925 South Middle Road, South Woodslee.
Comber – Comber Legion
Tuesday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 10:45 a.m. Short service at the Cenotaph, 6420 Main Street, with luncheon to follow.
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