As Saturday, November 11, approaches, Canadians are preparing to stand in collective remembrance of the brave souls who risked and/or lost their lives for Canada.
On Remembrance Day, Royal Canadian Legion, representing the people of Canada, orchestrates the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa and services throughout communities nationwide.
According to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 - Powell River, everyone is invited to attend the annual local gathering in Townsite, which gets underway at 10 am. Legion organizers welcome the community to join them at the Cenotaph on November 11 to honour the brave men and women who have served or are currently acting in service for Canada.
Activities begin with a breakfast for veterans in the lower hall at the Legion (6811 Alexander Street), starting at 7 am. A bus transporting the veterans to the parade area in Townsite will depart the Legion at 9:15 am.
At 9:35 am, March on the Colours progresses to Dwight Hall, which precedes a service in Dwight Hall at 10 am.
The parade to the Cenotaph in Veteran’s Memorial Park begins at 10:45 am, followed by recognition, remembrance, prayers and a salute to veterans at 10:56 am.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy lunch and entertainment back at the Legion. Again, all are welcome.
Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign began on Friday, October 27. The poppy was adopted as the official flower of remembrance in Canada in 1921, inspired by the poetry of lieutenant-colonel John McCrae, a Canadian medical officer in World War I.
McCrae’s haunting 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields, painted a melancholy image of rows of poppies growing upon the resting places of those lost in the war. Now, more than 20 million poppies are distributed each year in communities across Canada.
From now until Remembrance Day, Royal Canadian Legion is asking people to take the time to thank a veteran for their service and wear a poppy to show their support for those who have served and those currently in service to Canada.
The red lapel poppy is the symbol of the Legion’s Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support veterans and their families in need.
Remembrance is a year-round commitment. To learn how to contribute to supporting veterans throughout the year, drop by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 in Westview or call 604.485.4870.
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