We Will Remember Them
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What an exciting Remembrance program we have in store. Poppy boxes are out and about in our community. Donate what you can and wear a poppy proudly. Wear it for a relative, as a symbol of remembrance, to signify the anniversary of the last year of World War I, or wear as a tribute for those who have served and who continue to serve.
Thank you to the Tillsonburg Legion and its Ladies Auxiliary, the Tillsonburg Military History Club and the Tillsonburg Historical Society for sponsoring the evening with Andy Robertshaw. It was an exceptional evening, meal, and way to remember through artifacts, archaeology, and storytelling.
Dr. Jason Pankratz – Tillsonburg Legion
Robertshaw spoke frankly and with humour, relaying his experience identifying forgotten casualties from the First World War and their contemporary genealogy. Those who were part of this special presentation will remember it fondly.
As always, we welcome everyone to our Sunday, November 11th events. If you are interested in being part of the Silent Walk, meet at the Rolph Street entrance of Veterans Memorial Walkway, near the Station Arts Centre before 10:30 a.m. The walk will take place at around 10:30. As well, you are encouraged to assemble at our cenotaph prior to 10:45 for the cenotaph ceremony.
Tickets are now available at the Legion for the Remembrance Banquet. The pre-dinner social will begin at 5 p.m. and dinner at 5:45. Tickets are $15 and you will not want to miss the evening’s meal, hosted by our Ladies Auxiliary, bussed by our Varnavair Cadets, and our speaker, Donna Beek. She is a Silver Cross Mother; a mother who has lost a child in war and who was chosen to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. She will also tell us about her own experience in the service.
We are blessed by the calibre of our Remembrance Day speakers, their experiences, and how they view service and remembrance.
Get your ticket as soon as possible, as always they are selling quickly. Without giving away the whole evening, to keep it spectacular, this Remembrance Day Banquet at Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 will be one to witness and participate in.
It is also important to recognize this Remembrance Day as the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I. As a tribute, in communities across the nation, at dusk (likely between 5-6 p.m.), you will hear church and town bells ringing. This signifies the importance of this date and an audible experience of remembrance. So, if you hear bells ringing, pause with reverence and witness this unifying occurrence. Remember that 100 years ago on the 11th day of the 11th month, armistice was proclaimed. How fascinating it would have been to be in Tillsonburg in 1918 and witness the community celebrating the end of the Great War.
Lastly, November holds a few more events to connect you to our Branch. On Saturday, Nov. 17 the Legion will host its annual Christmas Bazaar from 9-4 with a $2 admission fee. Come early to peruse the vendors and purchase unique Christmas gifts.
Come out to a concert put on by the Mudmen on Friday, Nov. 23. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Check out the Legion Facebook page or call the office for details and tickets 519-842-5281.
Whether you enter our doors for community events or in remembrance, remember that everyone is welcome at our Legion. We encourage others to become members and volunteer within. Our purpose is to represent our Veterans and our community. Lest we forget.
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