Busy time of year for veterans, Legion members in Sudbury preparing Remembrance Day services
It's a busy time for veterans and Legion members involved in organizing Remembrance Day services Monday.
Roughly 1,100 high school students attended the Remembrance Day service in the gymnasium at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School on Thursday.
Roughly 1,100 high school students attended the Remembrance Day service in the gymnasium at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School on Thursday. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)
That one was planned by students, teachers and several local veterans.
"Sometimes it can be difficult to make sure that we’re integrating people that aren’t already in the school into our ceremonies," said Grade 11 student Daniella Grottoli.
"I think the most quintessential part of planning was ensuring that we were able to put them in a position where they could be heard, and where we could value their information."
The school’s ceremony included O Canada, the Last Post -- a traditional bugle call played at military funerals -- two minutes of silence, reading of poems and laying of wreaths.
Guest speaker Mike Jensen said those elements help to mark a tradition that honours sacrifices made by veterans who served their country.
Jensen is a retired Petty Officer First Class with the Royal Canadian Navy.
"Every service I’ve been to since I was in Iron Bridge Public School, way back when, these (traditions) were ingrained in our mind as citizens growing up," he said.
"And of course, with my (20 years of) military service … observing Remembrance Day was very significant for service members and these were always key, poignant moments in every Remembrance Day observation."
Roughly 1,100 high school students attended the Remembrance Day service in the gymnasium at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School on Thursday. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)
The local Veterans Peer Support group Jensen is a part of prefers to be outside for Remembrance Day services. Their ceremony on Monday will be at Memorial Park at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, the main public service will be steps away at the Sudbury Arena. It’s a small group of volunteers with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 who are planning that event, working to ensure everything runs smoothly.
"Today we’re in the process of just tidying up the wreaths that are lain," said Legion member Tom Hewitt, head organizer of the event.
"In a lot of cases, they’ve been used a couple of times, new wreaths come in. We’re replacing the ribbons, putting them in boxes."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
About 40 wreaths will be laid by dignitaries and representatives at Monday's service.
Kay Hedley, who has been volunteering for decades, said it's "all about the veterans."
"I just think it’s very important. We live in Canada free, and we thank our veterans for our freedom,” Hedley added.
Regardless of how or where Remembrance Day is marked, organizers said events are about honouring soldiers who serviced this country – some who paid the ultimate sacrifice and others who returned home.
All for the freedom we all now enjoy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bank of Canada drops key interest rate
Canada’s central bank has cut interest rates for the fifth consecutive time as the country's economy grows at a slower rate than projected.
Poilievre's Conservatives still in majority territory: Nanos seat projections
The Liberals' promise of a temporary GST break and $250 rebate cheques haven't benefited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his minority government when it comes to public support, according to Nanos Research data.
'Baseball-sized hail': Toronto man owes car rental company $18K after hailstorm
A Toronto man is on the hook for about $18,000 after a car he rented over the summer was pelted by baseball-sized hail.
Canada Post strike continues as sides clash on wages
Negotiations between Canada Post and the union representing its workers appear to be in a deadlock as the two sides remain far apart on wages and other issues.
New Vancouver mom temporarily discharged from hospital to see Taylor Swift concert
A Vancouver woman didn’t let an emergency C-section keep her from Saturday’s Taylor Swift concert.
'He lost his spirit': Family wants answers after Indigenous man's braids cut at Edmonton hospital
The Saskatchewan family of an Indigenous man whose braids were cut off during a stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, without permission, is searching for answers.
WATCH Video captures lookalike contest for suspected CEO assassin in New York
Several people attended a lookalike contest for a suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Dec. 7.
The Israeli Jews who allegedly spied for Iran in biggest infiltration in decades
Israel's arrest of almost 30 mostly Jewish citizens who allegedly spied for Iran in nine covert cells has caused alarm in the country and points to Tehran's biggest effort in decades to infiltrate its arch foe, four Israeli security sources said.
Fingerprints match between Luigi Mangione and prints found at scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO killing, police say
Fingerprints found at the scene of the assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO match those of suspect Luigi Mangione, two enforcement officials briefed on the matter told CNN on Wednesday, as authorities continue to investigate the motive for the killing.