The Royal Canadian Legion in St. Albert is hoping for a successful turnout at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies despite fewer news of conflict around the world, said legion administrator Debby Burr.
St. Albertans have always been highly supportive of Remembrance Day ceremonies and the legion hopes that this year will continue to see many local residents come out to the cenotaph and open house, Burr said.
“The campaign has been on the quieter side because there hasn’t been a lot of news and things are relatively quiet in the Middle East right now,” she said.
“Which is a good thing but we still have veterans in need, whether or not there are ongoing problems currently in the world.”
Monday morning’s Remembrance Day procession will start at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 271 at 6 TachĂ© St. at 10:30 a.m. From there it will go up Sir Winston Churchill Avenue and down St. Anne Street, stopping in front of the cenotaph at about 11 a.m.
Burr said anyone hoping to have a spot close to the cenotaph should plan on being there by about 10:30 a.m. Those too frail or ill to go to the outdoor ceremony can attend a second ceremony at Cornerstone Hall next to the legion, she said, adding that the hall has only limited space available.
Following the procession, the legion will hold an open house, starting at noon. The open house often lasts late into the evening and gives people a chance to meet, she said.
“There is a band that is going to play and there is a pipe band that comes through throughout the day and we are treated to Scottish bagpipes,” she said.
Burr added that people are still able to purchase poppies for a nominal donation at the service from local Scouts. The Scouts will also hand out programs for the ceremony and other events that day.
“I don’t know what to expect. We could have a massive turnout or it could be moderate. But people in St. Albert are usually very supportive and past years have been marvelous,” she said. “Even the weather is supposed to be fairly co-operative compared to last year.”
