Remembrance Day-Cobourg By Dan Jones, CFWN, LJI.
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 invite residents to take part in honouring Canada's veterans (and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice) at several community observances leading up to Remembrance Day.
St. Peter's Anglican Church (240 College St.) hosts a Remembrance Sunday Service Nov. 8. It begins across King Street with a 9:30 a.m. Act of Remembrance at the Victoria Park cenotaph, led by the Royal Marines and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 598 Sabre Squadron. The observance continues at 10:30 a.m. with a Choral Mattins Service featuring the Concert Band of Cobourg and the Royal Marine Association of Ontario.
The young members of the 598 Sabre Squadron return to the cenotaph Nov. 10 – the eve of Remembrance Day – for an overnight vigil at the cenotaph. This is their solemn tribute to the country's veterans and their service (and, in some cases, sacrifice) as they stand watch throughout the night. Members of the community are welcome to visit the cenotaph during this vigil to pay their respects and honour the cadets' participation.
“The involvement of the Air Cadets is a meaningful reminder that the tradition of remembrance continues with the next generation, ensuring the stories and sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten,” the announcement noted.
The Cobourg Legion branch hosts the Nov. 11 ceremony at the cenotaph at 10:30 a.m., and members of the community are invited to attend.
Prior to the ceremony, a Remembrance Day parade forms up at 10 a.m. at the Legion Hall (135B Orr St.) and proceeds to Victoria Park. Their route goes east on Orr, north at Hibernia, east on King, then right onto Church to the park. Following the ceremony a retreat parade returns to the Legion Hall along the same route.
Intermittent traffic stops will occur along the route between 10 a.m. and noon – Hibernia Street from Orr to King, King Street from Hibernia to Church, and Church Street from King to Victoria Park. For parking locations, details and further information, visit Cobourg.ca/parking.
The Branch again hosts its Remembrance Day dinner that evening, with cocktails at 4:30 p.m. And dinner at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Legion bar - $25 for non-service members and free to veterans. Everyone is welcome.
Nov. 11 is the last day of this year's Poppy Campaign, when millions of Canadians wear this scarlet symbol honouring their veterans and the ones who sacrificed for the freedoms they enjoy. Donations collected are held in trust at the branch for the direct support of veterans and their families in the community.
And on that day, all town-owned flags throughout the community will be lowered to half-staff to honour Remembrance Day.
Cobourg's downtown is currently lined with Memorial Banners honouring local veterans. They are the result of a partnership between the town and the Legion branch as a way to pay tribute to the courage, dedication and service of these local heroes.
“As you walk through downtown, take a moment to stop, reflect and remember the individuals behind each banner,” the announcement advised.
This project is made possible through the generous support of community members who wish to honour the memory and recognize the service and contributions of their family members and friends. If you would like to sponsor a banner (the fee is $275), visit the Cobourg Legion website for further information and application forms.
