It’s not too early to register to March for a Veteran

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 officials are urging those interested in taking part in this year’s March for a Veteran event to contact them as soon as possible before this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony Sunday, Nov. 11.

This upcoming Remembrance Day will mark the fourth time Branch 25 will hold its March for a Veteran event, to take place immediately before Remembrance Day ceremonies at the GFL Memorial Gardens.

March for a Veteran is an original Branch 25 initiative established by Ernie Bremner, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 1st vice president.

March for a Veteran is an opportunity for a family member, or a member of the public, to honour a veteran, a veteran being anyone who has served or is serving with the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP.

A family member may march for a veteran who is deceased, ill or too frail to take part in the Remembrance Day march from the Gardens to the Cenotaph in front of the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse and back, or someone unable to attend because he or she is currently deployed with the Forces in Canada or abroad.

It is also an opportunity to march for senior veterans now in their 90s who are not able to march but their spirit still there, so to carry on their spirit, one of their family members can march for them.

You do not need to be a Legion member to participate.

Marchers cannot wear the Veteran’s medals (not a Legion regulation, but a federal law), but you may carry the medals or the veteran’s photograph.

You must be a minimum of 12 years old and only one marcher per veteran.

The Legion is asking for proper attire (no jeans).

Those wanting to march for a veteran may contact the Legion at (705) 945-8721 and register before 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9.

Event registration are available at the Legion office at 96 Great Northern Rd.

Name tags will be handed out upon registration.

Marchers will form up at the GFL Memorial Gardens (on the rink floor) at 9:45 a.m. with their name tags.

The parade begins at 10 a.m., beginning from the Gardens to the Cenotaph on Queen Street, then back to the Gardens for a 10:50 a.m. service start.

Legion officials would also like to remind the public there is a flag raising to kick off the annual Poppy Campaign at 11 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Cenotaph in front of the courthouse on Queen Street.