Sarnia Remembrance Day Parade on Wellington St. (BlackburnNews.com 
 file photo by Briana Carnegie)Sarnia Remembrance Day Parade on Wellington St. (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Briana Carnegie)
Sarnia

Remembrance Day ceremony to return to Veterans Park

Sarnia's Remembrance Day ceremony at Veterans Park is returning to normal this year.

Legion Branch 62 President Les Jones said it will be an in-person gathering and there will be no limits on how many people can attend.

"This year we're happy that the government announced the lifting of crowd capacity restrictions just in time for us to be able to pivot and actually hold a Remembrance Day parade and ceremony at Veterans Park," said Jones.

Jones said they were initially planning the November 11 service at the Legion's cenotaph, similar to 2020.

"The parade starts forming shortly after 10 a.m. and leaves the front of the Legion on Front Street at approximately 10:35 a.m. We march along Front Street, up George to Christina, down Christina to Wellington and then onto the cenotaph."

He said they'll arrive just before 11 a.m.

"Once everybody's formed up, we start with the ceremony. Starting off with Oh Canada, the Act of Remembrance Service, we have the laying of the wreaths and then we will return to the Legion.

Jones said everyone attending is still encouraged to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

"Although the crowd restrictions have been changed, we understand if we cannot social distance, we must still wear a mask if we can't separate by six feet."

Jones said 2021 is a special year for the service.

"This year it's the 100th anniversary of the cenotaph at Veterans Park, we recently had a rededication ceremony, but it is also the 100th anniversary of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in Canada."

For those unable to attend, the service will be broadcast live on 1070 AM / 103.9 FM CHOK starting at 10:45 a.m.

Plans are also underway to livestream the service, and broadcast it on local cable television.

The Village of Point Edward will hold its Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph on St. Clair Avenue Sunday, November 7, at 11 a.m.

Aamjiwnaang will hold its service at the cenotaph on Tashmoo Avenue, Monday, November 8, at 11 a.m.

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