With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Port Hope urges residents to observe Remembrance Day at home this year.
Mayor Bob Sanderson noted in the press release that traditional observance ceremonies traditionally take place at cenotaphs in Canton and in Memorial Park.
“But this year we will need to break from custom and pay our respects to our war veterans privately at home,” he stated.
“This change in the way that we honour November 11th should not impact the importance of the day. I encourage all of our community members to observe a moment of silence together at the 11th hour to mark the sacrifice of those who have fallen in service our country, and the dedication of those who continue to serve today.”
Residents may notice wreaths and poppies on the Memorial Park cenotaph following a private service at that site with a very small contingent of members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30. Legion members will also pay respects at the Canton site in advance of Nov. 11 by placing wreaths and the stone on the Wall for Future Peace.
The annual Poppy Campaign runs through Nov. 11, and Legion members encourage all Canadians to wear a poppy as a token of their pledge to honour Canada's veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Donations to the Legion branch are always welcome, and residents can visit their website for details As well, the Royal Canadian Legion has merchandise available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Legion and our veterans. The municipality is partnering with the Legion branch by raising the Poppy Flag at the Memorial Park cenotaph and by placing poppy boxes at the two municipal facilities that are currently open to the public – the Town Park Recreation Centre at 62 McCaul Street and the Jack Burger Sports Complex at 60 Highland Drive. Residents are reminded that masks are mandatory to enter these facilities unless you fall under an exempted category.
Meanwhile, the Avenue of Heroes banners have again been installed in the downtown. This program is an on-going legacy project where veteran banners are displayed on posts between early October and Nov. 12 each year in tribute to local veterans, deceased veterans and active service members. This year, the Rotary Club of Port Hope and the Heritage Business Improvement Area have collaborated to support 11 additional banners, honouring Canadian Air Force veterans who have served for our collective safety and security.
At this time, the Memorial Park cenotaph revitalization project is nearing completion. This work will include a new sidewalk approaching and surrounding the cenotaph with interlocking pavers, stamped concrete, and new LED lights in the hydro poles on Queen Street. There will be new monogrammed stones, two new flag poles and new knee walls and base (built low to allow visitors to sit).
Donations are still being accepted for the monogrammed stone program. For details, please visit the cenotaph beautification webpage or contact Amanda Millar at amillar@porthope.ca
Once the work is complete, residents are encouraged to drive by the cenotaph or visit it on their own to view the renovations and pay their respects privately. An official unveiling of the revitalized cenotaph will be scheduled and promoted at a later date.
The municipality reminds everyone that there will be no staff services or regular transit service on Remembrance Day. The ROLLS program will be not affected. Staff and transit services will resume at their usual business hours on Thursday, Nov. 12.
