Cobourg to honour veterans with Remembrance Day events
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
The Town of Cobourg and the Cobourg branch of the Royal Canadian Legion are inviting residents to honour veterans by taking part in special remembrance events on, and leading up to, Wednesday, Nov. 11.
To start the week, the community can attend a “Remembrance Sunday” observance on Nov. 8 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, which is located at 240 College St.
“An Act of Remembrance” will also take place on Sunday at the Victoria Park Cenotaph at 9:30 a.m., led by the air cadets and royal marines. The observance will continue with a 10:30 a.m. Choral Mattins Service, featuring the Concert Band of Cobourg and the Royal Marine Association of Ontario.
On Tuesday (Nov. 10), members of 598 Sabre Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, will hold an overnight vigil at the Victoria Park Cenotaph.
“The vigil is a solemn tribute to Canada’s veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” noted the town. “Cadets will stand watch at the cenotaph throughout the night as a mark of respect, remembrance and gratitude.”
Residents are welcome to visit the cenotaph during the vigil to pay their respects and recognize 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.”
To officially mark Remembrance Day on Wednesday, the Cobourg Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 is holding a service parade that starts at 10:15 a.m. at the legion on Orr Street. The parade continues north on Hibernia Street, east on King Street, and winds onto Church Street to make its way into Victoria Park.
The branch then hosts the Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Victoria Park Cenotaph. Residents are invited to attend and reflect.
“I just hope to see the community come together to remember those (who) laid their lives down for us,” said Jennifer Robison, president of the Cobourg legion.
Following the service, there will be a lunch served at the branch. Dinner will also be offered later in the day. Tickets are $25 a person. Veterans attend for free.
All town-owned flags across the community will be lowered to half-mast on Wednesday in honour of Remembrance Day.
The following roads will experience intermittent traffic stops between about 10 a.m. and noon on Wednesday to accommodate the Remembrance Day parade: Hibernia Street from Orr Street to King Street, King Street from Hibernia Street to Church Street, and Church Street from King Street to Victoria Park.
Downtown Cobourg is also currently lined with memorial banners honouring local veterans and the men and women who served. These banners, which were made possible through a partnership between the Town of Cobourg and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133, “pay tribute to those whose courage, dedication and service helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”
In late October, the Cobourg legion marked the start of its annual poppy campaign. Robison and Ladies’ Auxiliary President Janet Richardson presented the first poppy to Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The legion said every contribution to the campaign makes a difference in supporting veterans, their families, and the programs and services that strengthen the community.
“When you give, you help us honour the sacrifices of those who served and ensure that their service and sacrifices are never forgotten,” said the legion. “Please give generously.
“Remember them. Support them. Honour them.”
The Independent reached out several times to the legion president for further details about Nov. 11 and to delve into the importance of Remembrance Day, but interview requests weren’t granted before our print deadline.
The Cobourg Legion was chartered on Nov. 6, 1928 as Branch 133 of the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, deriving its charter members from the Great War Veterans Association. It has been the largest service club in Cobourg for many years.
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