Candlelight Vigil. Photo courtesy of Sarnia Legion Branch 62 via facebook.Candlelight Vigil. Photo courtesy of Sarnia Legion Branch 62 via facebook.
Sarnia

Traditional Remembrance Day events return, new Sarnia crosswalk unveiled

An annual candlelight tribute in Sarnia will return ahead of traditional Remembrance Day events, which will include the unveiling of a Veterans Park Crosswalk.

Sarnia Legion Branch 62 President Les Jones said the candlelight tribute wasn't held in the last three years so they're happy to welcome back members of the public.

Participants will meet at City Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday and will walk to the legion cenotaph on Front Street for a ceremony. Candles will be available for a minimum donation of $5.

"We'll have a short ceremony at the cenotaph, we'll lay the candles at the cenotaph, and the local cadet course will stand vigil throughout the night into the next morning," said Jones.

Friday's service will be held after the Remembrance Day Parade, which will begin shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The parade will go south along Front Street, east on George Street, and south on Christina Street to Wellington Street.

Although a full November 11th service was held last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, only a limited number of people were allowed back at the legion after the ceremony.

"This year, we're happy that there are no restrictions so we're expecting the usual huge crowd of support from the public," Jones said. "People are invited back to the legion afterward to share in some stories and comradeship."

The legion will also unveil a commemorative crosswalk on Friday, in partnership with the City of Sarnia. The Veterans Park Crosswalk is located in front of the Sarnia Library, at the corner of Wellington Street and Christina Street.

"The motion was made by Councillor Brian White to have a crosswalk in honour of veterans. They consulted with us about the design," said Jones. "We're very happy to be able to unveil it on Remembrance Day.

Veterans Park Crosswalk. (Photo courtesy of Sarnia Legion Branch 62 via Facebook)

Branch 62 worked with the city in order to come up with a design.

It was initially suggested that a poppy be included but Jones said the Royal Canadian Legion considers it a dishonor to walk or drive on the symbol of remembrance.

Instead, a banner with red and white stripes was chosen for the crosswalk with the words "Lest We Forget" underneath. The colours represent the Canadian flag and the country's national colours, the colour of peace, the red also represents the blood shed by veterans.

Aamjiwnaang's Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the cenotaph on Tashmoo Avenue.

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