There will be several Remembrance Day ceremonies and events taking place in Cambridge on Nov. 11 to honour those who have and continue to serve our country.
Brad Buchanan, poppy chairperson for the Galt Legion, is busy collecting donations and handing out poppies. He hopes people support by wearing a poppy and attending one of the various ceremonies to pay their respects.
For Buchanan, wearing a poppy is deeply personal as his grandfather, father, uncles, brother and nephew have all served in various capacities.
“People can donate to the local individual funds, wear a poppy or display e-poppies, become a Legion member and volunteer,” Buchanan said.
“The money from poppies goes towards veterans services, support for veterans, their families, educational programs, veterans hospitals and support for veterans within local hospitals as approved by Command.”
Currently, the Galt poppy fund has raised between $6,000-8,000, with the goal of raising $55,000.
The legion will be hosting a parade beginning at 10:10 a.m. on Nov. 11 with a gathering scheduled after with entertainment.
The Preston Legion will also be parading from their branch up to the cenotaph beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Later in the evening, they'll be hosting a remembrance banquet at a cost of $20 per person. Veterans, spouses and caregivers are free with the doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner beginning at 6 p.m.
In Hespeler, the legion will be hosting their service at the Hespeler Cenotaph at 10:30 a.m.
The ceremony features the pre-laying of wreaths before representatives of the military lay theirs. At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone is welcome back to the branch for comradeship and a light lunch.
Other ways to support this Remembrance Day:
Seasons Retirement Community in Cambridge is running its annual Pennies for Poppies fundraiser in support of local veterans.
“We remember and recognize the veterans in our homes and local communities with our commemorative Pennies for Poppies fundraiser to pay respect and never forget their bravery in fighting for our freedom,” Stephanie Carter, general manager at Seasons Cambridge Retirement Community said in a statement.
“We thank them for their incredible devotion and sacrifice in serving our country and will continue to support our local Legion in gratitude.”
ONroute is also participating in its annual Support Our Troops campaign for the third consecutive year.
The campaign encourages travellers to donate $1 in support of service members from Nov. 1 until Dec. 31 at any of the 23 ONroute locations along the 401 and 403 highways. Collectively they hope to raise $150,000.