Smiths Falls is preparing to honour those who served their country, with several Remembrance Day ceremonies and some special reminders of the town’s commitment to its veterans.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 will begin its commemorations Sunday, Nov. 8, with an Indigenous Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans’ Memorial Park at 1 p.m. This marks the second year for the local service.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Remembrance Day activities begin with wreath-laying ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. at the LAV III Monument outside the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre and 9:45 a.m. at the Great War Veterans Association Memorial outside the public library.
The annual parade forms at Legion Branch 95 at 10:30 a.m., travelling along Main Street and Beckwith Street to Veterans’ Memorial Park for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Legion vice-president Ken Manwell says the parade will pass over the town’s veterans’ memorial crosswalks, while a new section of roadway near the park is expected to receive the name Veterans Way.
The town’s veterans’ banner program has also grown to approximately 85 banners, with more expected in the coming years.
Manwell says the support shown by Smiths Falls residents and the municipality has been remarkable.
Wednesday’s ceremony will include wreath laying, prayers and the reading of honour rolls recognizing those who served in past conflicts.
A light lunch will follow at the Legion.
This year’s Remembrance Day carries additional sadness following a tragedy at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
Four Canadian soldiers were killed and dozens more injured when a fire spread rapidly during a military training exercise on Oct. 17.
As of Nov. 4, 25 injured soldiers remained in hospital.
Manwell says the tragedy has weighed heavily on Legion members, with flags lowered to half-mast in honour of those who died.
The loss is a painful reminder that military service continues to carry risks, even far from the battlefield.
For Manwell and his fellow Legion members, remembering those who served also means honouring those whose lives have been lost in more recent times.
The evening veterans’ dinner begins with a gathering at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7.
Serving and veteran military and RCMP members may register with one guest at no charge until 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
Remaining seats will be available for $30 per person from Nov. 7 to 9. Advance registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted.
For details, call the Legion at 613-283-2690.
