A big deal is planned for the Callander Legion and the Callander Legion Pipes and Drums Remembrance Day celebration on November Saturday.
It marks the 150th Anniversary of Canada, the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge, the 70th Anniversary of the Callander Legion and the 65th Anniversary of the Callander Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
The Callander Legion supports veterans throughout the area, including Bonfield, and East Ferris.
Members of the Callander Legion participated in Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Temiskaming Quebec (Nov 5), and will also appear in Bonfield (Nov 9), East Ferris (Nov 10) and Callander on November 11th. Legion members also visit area schools and participate in Remembrance Day services with the students.
The Callander Remembrance Day service starts Saturday morning at 9:30 in the main hall of Callander Legion with a service officiated by Reverend Simon Beadle.
At 10:30, the parade will form up at the Callander Legion and march to the Callander Cenotaph for the official ceremony and laying of the wreaths.
Following the parade, members of the Legion, joined by the public, will gather in the Legion main hall and lounge to honour and remember veterans of the Canadian Forces and our allies. There will be food and refreshments and the Callander Legion Pipes and Drums will perform with live entertainment throughout the day.
Thanks to the Annual Poppy Campaign, the Callander Legion supports Veterans throughout the area all year round says a news release from the group.
Recently, the Municipality of Callander and the Callander Legion, Branch 445 signed a collaborative agreement for the restoration of the Callander Cenotaph.
"As a former Canadian Armed Force member, it is an honour to remember all the veterans," stated Callander Legion President, Marc Picard. "It is also heartfelt to see all the community members that attend to celebrate this great day."
Picard served in Iraq in 1988 and Rwanda in 1994 and 1995, and is now in his second career managing the 911 Ambulance and Fire communications Centre in North Bay.
"Not only are we here to support the Veterans of the Great Wars, but also the Veterans of Peacekeeping and modern-day missions, such as Afghanistan.
"Our biggest challenge is that we are not very demonstrative, and not many people understand the huge impact our members have in Callander and the surrounding community."
