Local Legion Overcome Struggles Organizing Remembrance Day Ceremony

November 11th, 2021 marks 103 years since the end of World War 1. Remembrance day marks a solemn time for Canada to remember and honour its veterans, and more importantly, those who gave their lives for the freedoms Canadians enjoy today. 

Robert Merrit, Padre of Royal Canadian Legion of Canada Branch 554, says that "COVID has taken a toll on all organizations. Volunteer groups like the legion have suffered greatly.” 

Robert describes following the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s ever changing protocols on spacing on attendance was a difficult barrier to overcome.

Nonetheless, a substantial number of people came to the ceremony to pay their respects, with Robert calling it a success. 

In addition, the Poppy campaign was very successful, raising around $5100, in addition to the approximate $3500 that was raised through merchandise sales.

2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy campaign which began in 1921 in France by Madame Anna Guérin, which was then introduced in Canada in the same year.  

The money that is raised goes towards veteran services, homeless campaigns 
Educational bursaries for grandchildren of veterans, and various health services.

When asked why it is so important to remember Robert reflects “All lives are based on history...we must remember those who made those sacrifices so that we can take our part and move our society peacefully forward”. 

In regards to membership, you do not have to be a veteran, simply put, “If you have a heart for serving, there is certainly a place for you”.

When reflecting on Remembrance Day, Don Ferrara, President of the Clarence-Rockland Legion branch, himself having served in the army for 40 years, said that it was “a very proud day, to be able to stand here and pay tribute to those who have gone before me.” 

Currently, the legion has “been managing to get by” with 50 volunteers, and because of the pandemic they don’t have a meeting place. With this in mind, Don adds that they focus on the service aspect, focusing on supporting local groups such as the cadet corps. 

Don explains that in the over 100 year existence of the legion, the main objective has always been to find ways for veterans to take care of each other. Some of the ways they do this today is to help veterans learn how to deal with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), get homeless veterans off the street and the care they need, and give to charities for children of veterans who suffer from PTSD.

Don says It’s easy to get involved with the legion, just to walk in and get started. Commenting on the smaller branch size compared to other branches, he says that we are still able to do what we can with the small number we have, and the only place to go is up. 

When asked about what people can do for veterans, Don says, “Lend them an ear because most of them all they want is somebody to talk to”.

Finally Don sums up the future of the Clarence-Rockland region branch with this: “The more people we have the more we’ll be able to do.”