Local advocates launch Remember for Tomorrow campaign to help sustain Legion funding

Local advocates are calling on residents, businesses and the City of Stratford to rally community support for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8, which funds the annual Remembrance Day commemoration at Stratford’s cenotaph on Nov. 11.

Due to declining numbers of veterans and volunteers – and the need for sustained funding – the Remember for Tomorrow campaign aims to ensure the legacy and sacrifice of veterans across Huron-Perth remain top of mind for locals.

“Remembrance Day is more than a ceremony – it’s a civic obligation,” said Craig Thompson, campaign advocate and president and executive producer of Ballinran Entertainment. “As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we are reminded that freedom, peace and democracy must never be taken for granted.

“This campaign is about ensuring Stratford continues to honour that legacy with pride and permanence,” Thompson added.

The Royal Canadian Legion supports the annual service through fundraising events such as the sale of poppies, sponsorships and donations. However, according to Veterans Affairs, several factors – including aging and declining membership and rising operational and infrastructure costs – have led to tight budgets for legions across the province.

“The Royal Canadian Legion is grateful for this community campaign,” said Rick Boon, chair of the Remembrance Day service. “We need to ensure our veterans’ sacrifices are remembered and honoured in a meaningful way each year.”

The initiative also pays tribute to the Perth Regiment and its significant role in the liberation of the Netherlands – a connection deeply felt in Stratford and Perth County, where Dutch-Canadian heritage runs strong.

“Stratford and Perth County have a huge Dutch heritage, and our relationship with the Netherlands is very strong,” said Thompson. “We have the Dutch Memorial Garden by the Lion’s Pool. The Dutch barracks were at Trinity and Douro streets, where they trained, and the Perth Regiment was instrumental in helping liberate Holland at the end of the Second World War.”

Sponsorship and community support have already begun with the Stratford Perth Community Foundation stepping up to back the campaign.

“Remembrance Day brings our community together to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom,” said Heidi Culliton, executive director of the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. “Our foundation is proud to support this city’s Remembrance Day ceremony and the extraordinary volunteers who make it possible each year. By coming together to build sustainable support for Remembrance Day, we show what’s truly possible when a community unites to achieve a common goal – a legacy of remembrance that will continue for generations to come.”

Ballinran Entertainment has been providing live broadcasts of Stratford’s service of remembrance since 2020 on Rogers Community Television and YouTube to ensure everyone – even those unable to attend in person – can participate.

To watch the Nov. 11 ceremony, visit youtube.com/c/BallinranEntertainment.

To donate, visit legion.ca and be sure to choose your local branch when donating.