Remembrance Day ceremony today at the Cenotaph at 11 am – downtown streets will close

By Casandra Turnbull

Legion members and veterans are expecting a larger turnout as Remembrance Day falls on a Saturday this year. Today, November 11th , Grand River Street North in downtown Paris will be closed at 10:30 am for the Service. Legion President Donald MacLeod said this year there will be more speakers placed across the road from the cenotaph to give people further away the opportunity to hear the service if they can’t get a sport up close The Colour Guard will march in at 10:40 am, followed by guests of honour – veterans, first responders, Guides & Scouts, local dignitaries and the Ayr-Paris and Paris-Port Dover Pipe Band. The Service, led by local man Dale Kitchen, starts with a moment of silence at 11 am. In the interest of time, some wreathes will be placed in advance of the service and wreathes from local service clubs, dignitaries and fallen soldiers, will be placed during the service Children from area schools will perform O Canada, God Save the King and will recite in Flanders Fields.

A post service luncheon is open to the public at the Paris Legion, located at 70 William Street in Paris. If the weather cooperates, the patio will be open as well. If you plan to attend the Service, please arrive ahead of time as the OPP will close the streets by 10:30 am.