The Niagara-on-the-Lake branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has a series of programs planned to commemorate Remembrance Day this year.

The events during the first two weeks of November are “to remember the sacrifice of Canada’s military and honour the ongoing devotion to protecting our way of life and us from those who would do us harm,” NOTL Legion president Al Howse said in announcing the campaign.

This Friday, Oct. 28, the Legion will launch its annual poppy fundraiser.

“We don’t sell poppies but distribute them over the next two weeks asking folks to remember our fellow soldiers, sailors and airmen/women,” Howse said.

“We accept donations to our poppy trust fund at that time,” he added.

Money raised goes to support veterans and families throughout the year.

The start of the annual drive will be marked by raising a poppy flag outside the town offices in Virgil, Howse said.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the branch will hold a free dinner for all veterans, whether they are Legion members or not.

The dinner, at the Legion branch on King Street, starts at 5:30 pm.

Tickets for guests are $20. The branch office is distributing tickets and would like to hear from attendees by Tuesday, Nov. 1, he said.

On Nov. 3, Legion members will visit each of the three long-term care homes in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a remembrance service.

On Friday, Nov. 11, the NOTL branch will hold formal Remembrance Day services at the  town’s two cenotaphs.

The service at the Queen Street clock tower cenotaph starts at 10:45 a.m. and will include  the placing of wreaths after the playing of “Last Post” and “Reveille.”

A second service is planned at the municipal cenotaph in Queenston starting at 1 p.m.

“Over this two-week period we also will visit with Girl Guides, Brownies and Sparks,” Howse said.