Port Hope Legion Remembrance events include helicopter landing
Photo by Dan Jones, CFWN, LJI
By Cecilia Nasmith
Port Hope's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30 has announced its schedule of events for this year's Poppy Campaign and Remembrance ceremonies, with a special helicopter landing planned for Nov. 11.
An Oct. 23 launch of the 2026 campaign will take place at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Park cenotaph (44 Queen St.) with a poppy flag raising and presentation of the first poppy to Mayor Olena Hankivsky.
On Nov. 6, there will be a 10 a.m. Ganaraska Trails Colour Parade to the Veterans Plot for a Remembrance ceremony in Union Cemetery (114 Toronto Rd.).
The Port Hope Panthers offer a salute to veterans at 7:30 p.m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr.) on Nov. 7.
And Port Hope Church (34 South St.) holds a Remembrance Service at 10:30 am. Nov. 8.
Nov. 11 brings the helicopter landing – a CH 147 Chinook from the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron schedule to land south of town hall, subject to weather and mission requirements.
Branch 30 hosts its Remembrance Service at the Memorial Park cenotaph at 10:25 a.m., with a Veteran's Crosswalk dedication to follow at 11:15 a.m.
The Remembrance Service at the Canton cenotaph (at the Port Hope Community Hub, 5325 County Rd. 10) takes place at 2 p.m.
And at 5 p.m. the branch hosts its Remembrance dinner and ceremony at the Lions' Centre (29 Thomas St.), Tickets are $20, available at the branch.
As with other branches, volunteers in Port Hope are preparing for poppy season – Oct. 24 through Nov. 11, when the poppy is worn as a visual pledge never to forget those who have served and sacrificed. And funds raised for the Poppy Trust and ceremonial wreath fees provide direct support to veterans and their families.
These volunteers are aided in this effort through partnerships with the municipality, local businesses, community organizations and schools. In the coming days, residents will see Legion members and other volunteers greeting them outside storefronts and community hubs, as well as poppy counter boxes in businesses across the community.
