YORKTON, Sask. — The Royal Canadian Legion's Yorkton branch is inviting residents to take part in a series of events marking Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day while asking the City of Yorkton to formally recognize the week from Nov. 5 to 11.
Speaking to city council at its recent meeting, branch president Brittany Johnson requested that the city recognize Veterans' Week and noted that the Legion will raise the Flag of Remembrance at the cenotaph on Darlington Street on Nov. 5.
The flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., with the Legion inviting members of the community to attend.
Johnson also highlighted changes to this year's Poppy Campaign, explaining that Dominion Command has introduced a standardized national campaign period.
"This is the first year for a standardized Poppy campaign," she told council.
Under the new format, the campaign began Oct. 24 and will run through Nov. 11 each year.
Among the events planned during Veterans' Week is the annual candlelight tribute ceremony at 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the cenotaph.
Johnson said children will place candles during the ceremony, which was inspired by a tradition in the Netherlands where Dutch children honour the graves of Canadian veterans.
Remembrance Day services will be held Nov. 11 in the Flexi Hall at the Gallagher Centre. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., with organizers asking attendees to be seated before the parade begins at 10:45 a.m.
"Remembrance Day is a very important day for all veterans and Legion members," Johnson said, encouraging residents from Yorkton and the surrounding area to attend.
The service will also be livestreamed on the Legion's Facebook page.
Johnson noted the Legion's Honor Our Veterans Banner Program continues to grow in its seventh year. The initiative now includes 132 banners displayed along Broadway and Darlington streets, recognizing more than 265 veterans.
She said 16 veterans were added to the program this year and thanked the city for its continued installation grant and sponsorship support.
As Veterans' Week approaches, the Legion is encouraging residents to take part in ceremonies and events throughout the week, both to honour those who served and to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Through remembrance and community participation, Johnson said, Yorkton can help ensure their service and legacy are not forgotten.
