By Mark Squibb
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 based in Ferryland, more commonly known as the Southern Shore Legion, will be hosting the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Ferryland cenotaph at 11 a.m. on the morning of November 11, and secretary Heather Sullivan says that attendance at the ceremony seems to be growing.
“In recent years it’s grown,” said Sullivan. “There was a bit of a lull for a few years, but now it’s bigger than ever. We’ve had anywhere from 60 to 75 wreaths laid on Remembrance Day.”
Sullivan ventured to guess that the growth could be due to young people who desire to pay their respect to those who served in recent peacekeeping missions, as her generation paid its respects to those who served in WW II and the Great War in years past.
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, Branch 34, which serves Renews-Cappahayden as far as Petty Harbour - Maddox Cove and every community in between, will be hosting it’s annual Remembrance Week kitchen party on Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Legion building. There is no cover charge, however, 50/50 tickets will be sold.
The Legion also hosted a free technology assistance class on Wednesday, November 5.
“We’ve been doing this once a month for the last year,” said Sullivan. “We have a girl that comes in and helps seniors with tech issues. Sometimes we have a special guest come in. We’ve had the RCMP and a folklore specialist come in so seniors could research their ancestry.”
The Ferryland Legion is also busy this time of year fielding entries for the national poster and literary contests. The Ferryland Legion accepts entries from students in Mobile Central High, St. Bernard’s Elementary, Baltimore School, Goulds Elementary, St. Kevin’s Junior High and St. Kevin’s Senior High. Members of the Legion also attend school remembrance ceremonies in full uniform.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Committee of Witless Bay will host a prayer service to honor Witless Bay veterans at the Holy Cross Cemetery on November 11 at 11 am. Flags will be placed on veterans’ gravesites beginning at 10:45 a.m.
In Bay Bulls, the memorial parade will leave Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church around 10:30 a.m. and the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial will begin at 11 a.m.
In Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, the Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the war memorial. Those wishing to place a wreath at the service are asked to call Ron Doyle at 745-1106.
In Witless Bay, anyone wishing to place a flag can reach Maureen Walsh at 689-5087.
In Bay Bulls, anyone wishing to lay a wreath may contact Patricia Hearn at 334-2833.
In Ferryland, anyone wishing to lay a wreath may contact Heather Sullivan at 682-0387.
