At the cenotaph in Timmins’ Hollinger Park, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 hosted its annual ceremony Thursday, featuring the laying of wreaths in memory of generations of Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice. While Nov. 11 is a day of reflection, the Legion said its commitment to veterans extends beyond the annual ceremony. Funds raised locally help support veterans facing difficult circumstances, including those experiencing homelessness or struggling to access medical care. Andrea Villeneuve, Sergeant-at-Arms for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88, said that support can make a meaningful difference in veterans’ lives. “Let’s say we have some homeless veterans,” Villeneuve said. “We’re able to help them find an apartment and help them to start off. If someone needs medical attention that they cannot afford, different … things like that.” Villeneuve said the money raised in the community stays local, helping ensure veterans receive support when they need it most. In South Porcupine, Remembrance Day also carried special significance as Royal Canadian Legion Branch 287 approaches its 100th anniversary. Nearly a century after its founding, the branch continues to serve as a gathering place for veterans, families and community members, preserving the stories and sacrifices of those who served. For Timmins MPP George Pirie, the Legion’s connection is deeply personal. “My father served in the Second World War. This is his Legion,” Pirie said. “My father-in-law served in the Second World War. This is his Legion. My mother-in-law served in the Second (World War) and this is her Legion.” That sense of family history and community connection is part of what has helped sustain the Legion over the decades. Justin Blain, an executive member of Branch 287 and a Timmins police officer, previously served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Blain said continued public support is essential to the organization’s future. During this year’s ceremony, he said that support was evident in the turnout by schoolchildren, local businesses, Legion members and veterans. He said the level of commitment from this part of the province has always been strong. In the First World War, Blain said 600 people from Porcupine, South Porcupine, Schumacher and Timmins volunteered, out of a population of roughly 2,000. “Since then, northeastern Ontario has continued to have a higher-than-average volunteer rate that included World War 2, the Korean War, our peacekeeping missions, and including in Afghanistan,” he said. “We have many members in this community who have served overseas.” Blain said the goal is to keep the community involved with the Legion, while ensuring younger generations understand the sacrifices made by those who served.
