The time is drawing near when all of Canada will pause to honour the soldiers who have fought, and continue to fight, to keep this country and its people safe — in the First World War, Second World War and beyond.
Businesses across town are offering poppies, and residents are wearing them proudly on their jackets and shirts.
Around the community, poppy displays are visible at locations including the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, the Historic Court House, the RiverBrink Art Museum and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 on King Street.
The museum’s poppy drive began Oct. 30 and runs until Nov. 12. Staff have placed 75 poppy wreaths around the heritage district.
Al Howse, president of the legion, said members have been busy preparing for the commemorations.
“What are we doing? Everything,” he said with a laugh.
The legion’s poppy drive runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 11, with members collecting donations and distributing poppies on the streets.
“We accept donations at that time for our poppy trust fund to support veterans and their families,” Howse said.
He said poppies are available in 200 businesses, with “thousands” already handed out.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, a host of commemorative events will be taking place ahead of and on Nov. 11.
On Nov. 7, the legion will hold services at two long-term care homes: Radiant Care in Virgil and Niagara Long-Term Care in Old Town.
“For those seniors that cannot get out for Remembrance Day service, so we will be going to their locations,” Howse said.
The legion will host a dinner for veterans on Nov. 8, which is open to everyone.
On Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., the museum will present “We’ll Meet Again,” described as “an evening of wartime songs, stories and remembrance.”
Two ceremonies are planned for Remembrance Day on Nov. 11: the Royal Canadian Legion’s service at the Queen Street cenotaph, from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., and a second service at the Queenston cenotaph, from 1 to 1:30 p.m.
And, at St. Mark’s Church on Nov. 11, Music Niagara will host “Lark Ascending: A Remembrance Day Concert” at 11:45 a.m., following the ceremony at the Queen Street cenotaph. Admission is free.
daniel@niagaranow.com
