Photo by Brian Turner
The annual November 11th Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Canada since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians gather in Memorial Parks, churches, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. In Carleton Place, a town with a proud military legacy, a parade of veterans, legion members, Sea and Navy League cadets, among others, will start the ceremonies off at 10:30 am, marching from Mill Street next to the Townhall to the Cenotaph on Franklin Street.
Captain A. Roy Brown Legion Branch President Peter Schaffer, attending the October 31st dedication of a new Veteran’s Crosswalk on Franklin Street spoke of the meaning of Remembrance Day.
Standing at the Cenotaph, Peter listed some of the things to expect on November 11th.
Organizers warn that the ceremonies involve firing artillery guns and military aircraft fly-overs, both of which can cause loud noises. Peter notes the Legion Branch works tirelessly to create a ceremony befitting of the sacrifices that service members have made and continue to make every day.
The Veteran’s Crosswalk dedication also marked the start of the Annual Poppy Campaign. Some choose to remove their Poppies at the end of the day on November 11th and place them on the Cenotaph or on a wreath as a sign of respect. Carleton Place follows this tradition at the Cenotaph by having poppies placed in a box located in front of the Cenotaph following the ceremony.
Story by Brian Turner
