Remembrance Day challenges for Branch 324

Golf course, Two Creeks offer help with Nov. 11

By Mark Ribble

WHEATLEY— The 2021 Remembrance Day ceremony in Wheatley will be held at Two Creeks Conservation Area on November 11.

Branch 324 Past-President Bill Robertson spoke to the Sun last week about the challenges facing Wheatley’s 2021 service.

Last year’s Remembrance Day service was a subdued event with services across the country scaled back due to the COVID pandemic.

This year appeared to be more on track for a closer-to-normal Remembrance Day service but the August 26 explosion in downtown Wheatley has presented even more challenges for the Branch 324 crew.

“The local support has been wonderful,” said Robertson, referring to how the community has wrapped its arms around the Legion and its members.

Branch 324’s biggest challenge is the lack of memorabilia normally used in the service and ceremony.

The flags, colours, bugle and other supplies are inside the building, which cannot be entered.

“All of our memorabilia is prominently displayed inside that building,” he said. “We hope to eventually be able to get in safely and get it out of there.”

Bagpiper Michael Hicks performs at last year’s Branch 324 Remembrance ceremony. This year’s service will be held at Two Creeks Conservation Area.

SUN photo

Robertson is grateful to Kingsville Legion Branch 188 for offering the use of some of their flags and colours for the Wheatley service.

Talbot Trail Golf Course has also stepped up to offer a place for the Legion to host its annual luncheon after the service on the 11th.

Meanwhile in Leamington, the Remembrance Day service will be held at the cenotaph with organizers asking those who attend to maintain social distancing as best they can.

In Kingsville, Branch 188 is holding its Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph. There will be no Remembrance Day luncheon in Kingsville, but the branch will open at 2 pm.

Wreaths will be laid prior to the Wheatley Remembrance Day Service, with the exception of the Legion and Ladies Auxiliary wreaths. Anyone who wishes to lay their own wreath or place a poppy may do so after the Legion Service is dismissed.

Call Bill Robertson at 519-792-3326 if your organization would like to lay a wreath at either Leamington or Wheatley. Wreaths are in limited supply.

Robertson is happy to be able to have a service and he hopes this year being the 100th anniversary of the poppy, that Wheatley will find the service extra special — all things considered.

“I can’t thank the community enough and especially Talbot Trail for hosting our luncheon.”

The luncheon is expected to get underway after the service is complete and the golf course will also be hosting the Legion on Saturday’s going forward for their weekly meat draws.

Talbot Trail Golf Course is also allowing Lil Hil’s Coffee Shop to operate out of their location, proving further that the community certainly knows how to come together.

Earlier this fall, Lil Hil’s and iScreams were both given space at Taylor Fishery to operate their businesses.