Royal Canadian Legions in and around Muskoka are back to in-person ceremonies this year.
Betty Smith, past president of Huntsville’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232, says they will march from the Legion’s parking lot to the cenotaph at 10:30 on Nov. 11. for a full service.
At 1:15 p.m., the annual parade forms up at the Legion, going from Veterans Way to West St., up to Main St., east to Brunel Rd., and back to the Legion. Rolling road closures will be in effect.
“I think it’s very important that we’re out in the public, [that] everyone knows what we do, and that they come out and support the veterans,” says Smith. “They gave their lives, a lot of them, so we can have what we have today. So it’s nice that we support the families.”
Smith adds that this time of year is also important from a fundraising standpoint.
“It’s the only real fundraiser we can do for veterans, and the money we raise in our Poppy Campaign goes towards helping our veterans, [as well as] their widows and spouses,” says Smith. “That’s how we get the money to buy the wheelchairs and the glasses, and things that the veterans need.”
Here are the other Remembrance Day events happening in and around Muskoka:
Bala
Branch 424 will start its ceremony just before 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 11, at 1011 Maple Ave..
Baysville
On Nov. 6, Baysville Veterans hosted a march from the Baysville Arena to Grist Mill Park, ending with a ceremony at the cenotaph.
Bracebridge
Branch 161 will host its annual parade at 10:30 a.m., going from Bracebridge Memorial Arena to Memorial Park. The cenotaph ceremony starts in the park at 10:45.
Burk’s Falls
Branch 405 will run an in-person ceremony at the cenotaph by the post office on Ontario St..
Perry
Services will be held starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Emsdale Cenotaph and Kearney Legion Branch 276.
Gravenhurst
Branch 302 will host a wreath-laying ceremony, starting 10:45 a.m. by the Legion’s cenotaph at 290 Veterans Way. Past President Heather Schell says the parade has been postponed another year.
MacTier
Branch 507 will host a ceremony at the legion building at 11 Elizabeth Street, starting at 10:45 a.m., joined by troops from Canadian Forces Base Borden. Light luncheon to follow.
Port Carling
Branch 529 will host a march at 10:45 a.m. from its parking lot to the cenotaph across Bailey St., for a full service. Luncheon to follow.