Remembrance Day is coming up, and the City of Windsor has released its programming ahead of the day.
Once again this year, the city's official Remembrance Day Service will be held at the Cenotaph in City Hall Square, starting at 10:50 a.m.
The public is invited to the official service along with members of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, pre-registered wreath bearers, government officials, and area schools.
Those who can't attend the service can still watch it on the City of Windsor's Facebook page, and YourTV Cogeco will broadcast the service live at 11 a.m., with rebroadcasts at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on November 11.
Those who wish to lay a wreath at the service this year need to pre-register with Bonnie Burian, the secretary of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee. She can be reached at 519-973-4057 or at [email protected]. The city notes that those who wish to lay their wreath personally may not be permitted to do so until after 1 p.m. on Remembrance Day.
In addition to the service, the city has a few other programs planned.
Large window decals honouring Canada's veterans are on display on the main floor of City Hall for the month of November.
Between November 9 and November 13, City Hall will also be illuminated in red, and special illuminations across City Hall Square and on the facade of the building facing the cenotaph will be erected. Ouellette Avenue will also be lit up red and white each night.
The city has installed two new Veterans Commemorative Sidewalks at City Hall Square on sidewalks leading to the cenotaph. E-W Metal Works fabricated the stencil for the sidewalk display, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255, the City of Windsor, and Councillors Jo-Anne Gignac and Gary Kaschuk paid for it.
Proceeds from Mayor Drew Dilkens' self-published poem, "Scars of War," will go to support the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee. Last year, $3,354 was raised through sales, and the book sells for $20. The book, for those six and older, promotes understanding, recognition, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans. The book is illustrated by local artist Christy Litster.
On Sunday, November 7, the public is invited to take part in the Great War South Walkerville Street Sign Tour. It starts at 1 p.m. at Museum Windsor. Pre-registration is recommended, and those interested can call 519-253-1812 to sign up. The cost is $10 per person.
Admission is free to the Chimczuk Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Remembrance Day, and Art Windsor-Essex will also offer free admission to the gallery that day.
The City of Windsor is also sharing previously recorded videos featuring local veterans online on Mayor Dilkens Facebook page. Many of the videos were produced through the Veterans Memories Project.
The evening of Remembrance Day, the Windsor Classic Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Salvation Army South Windsor Citadel on Grand Marais Road West. The concert gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
"The City of Windsor's annual Remembrance Day program continues to provide many opportunities to pay our respects, pause and reflect, and say thank you to the selfless men and women who fought to leave our world safer and better than they found it, as well as all those serving today," said Dilkens
