For the first time in many years, the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a weekday Remembrance Day ceremony.
The Clarence-Rockland Remembrance Day ceremony will take place on Monday, November 11, a day when millions of Canadians across the country pay tribute to the courageous men and women who fought for their protection and freedom.
The ceremony in Rockland, hosted by the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, was traditionally held the weekend before Remembrance Day itself, which typically attracted more people, including more children.
“We were getting calls, a lot of people wondering why we hadn’t organized something on the day in the past,” said Robert Gagnon, president of the Rockland branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. “And it made sense. Even I’ve wondered that sometimes, so this year we’ll see how it goes. »
Gagnon is hoping for a big crowd on Monday, which will influence how the local Legion branch conducts the ceremony in the future.
“Last year it went really well because Remembrance Day was on a Sunday, so we had a few hundred people with us,” added Gagnon. “A lot of our residents travel to Ottawa for the downtown ceremony, so we lose some participants because of that. If we have enough people, maybe we can start this new tradition. We’ll see what the day brings. »
Gagnon hopes to start a new tradition with city residents, as the local Legion branch looks to increase its membership.
When Gagnon became president last year, the Legion branch had 42 members. He hopes to have 75 by the end of next summer.
“I would like to do more awareness, publicity and just let people know that we are here,” Gagnon said. “This will help us have an identity in the community and attract people to join us. »
Gagnon said an increase in membership could help the Legion get its own building, where members could hold events, meetings and other gatherings.
Currently, Legion meetings are held in the basement of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Rockland. Gagnon indicated that discussions are underway with members of the Legion and the City to hope to obtain permanent premises for the Legion.
“There really isn’t a lot of space in Rockland, and right now we don’t have enough members for a bigger space,” he added. “We’re trying, and hopefully something can come to fruition in the end.” »
For more information on this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony and the local Legion branch, please visit www.rcl554.ca.
