The Municipality of Port Hope is urging residents to observe Remembrance Day at home this year, amid the ongoing pandemic and to ensure that the Provincial gathering limits are not exceeded.
“Remembrance Day is traditionally observed with ceremonies at our two cenotaphs, Memorial Park and Canton, but this year we will need to break from custom and pay our respects to our war veterans privately at home,” notes Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope.
“This change in the way that we honour November 11th should not impact the importance of the day. I encourage all of our community members to observe a moment of silence together at the 11th hour to mark the sacrifice of those who have fallen in service our Country, and the dedication of those who continue to serve today.”
Residents who wish to tune in to the National Remembrance Day service from home can do so at www.legion.ca/remembrance/remembrance-day/the-national-ceremony
A private service with only a small contingent of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30 members will take place at the cenotaph in Memorial Park, and residents may notice wreaths and poppies on the cenotaph following Remembrance Day. Additionally, Legion members will mark November 11th in Canton by placing wreaths and the stone on the “Wall for Future Peace” ahead of Remembrance Day, to honour those memorialized at the Canton Cenotaph.
The annual Poppy Campaign, an initiative of the Royal Canadian Legion, launches today until November 11, and all Canadians are encouraged to wear a poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Municipality of Port Hope has partnered with Local Legion Branch 30 by raising the Poppy Flag at the cenotaph in Memorial Park and by placing poppy boxes at the two municipal facilities that are currently open to the public: Town Park Recreation Centre (located at 62 McCaul Street) and Jack Burger Sports Complex (located at 60 Highland Drive). Residents are reminded that masks are mandatory to enter these facilities unless you fall under an exempted category.
Donations to the Port Hope Legion Branch 30 are always welcome and residents can visit their website for details about how to support the local Branch. Additionally, the Royal Canadian Legion has merchandise available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the Legion and our veterans.
Avenue of Heroes Banner Program
The Avenue of Heroes banners were once again installed in downtown Port Hope. The veteran banner program is an ongoing legacy project where veteran banners are displayed on posts in downtown Port Hope between early October and November 12 each year as a means to pay tribute to our local veterans, deceased veterans, and active service members.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
