Tomorrow, the Royal Canadian Legion begins its annual Poppy Campaign. Under normal circumstances, our staff and cadets would be participating in the campaign, giving due consideration to what it means, and taking the opportunity to learn from our veterans about their experiences in times of conflict. Many of these opportunities aren’t going to be available this year due to the constraints of COVID-19 preparedness, but it is still our responsibility to take the time to think of what it all means.

Tales of war will fill our consciousness over the next few weeks, not because we give these things any kind of reverence or glory themselves, but because of the people who were and are willing to give everything for their loved ones, their communities, and their country. The Poppy and Remembrance are not about war, though war figures into the stories. They are about ensuring that the memory of war remains strong enough that we know it for the horror that it is. They are about holding everlasting respect for those who are willing to step up and do what their country calls them to do, without knowing the sacrifices that might have to be made for it. They are about knowing those sacrifices as our own, remembering the losses as our own losses, and feeling the pain that our veterans live with each day as our own pain.

Remembrance is about more than the consideration of the memories and sacrifices of others. It is about ensuring that these are always a part of who we are. It is about making them immortal.

From tomorrow until Remembrance Day on 11 November, the Poppy is to be worn on cadet and CAF uniforms, and I encourage everyone to consider its deeper significance while they wear it.

I’ll leave you with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s video production of HCol Loreena McKennitt‘s “Breaking of the Sword” to set the tone for the next weeks.

Be safe. Stay healthy. Remember.

J Lemoine
Captain
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
Immortal!

Due to the bus cancellations today, many schools have postponed their Remembrance Day ceremonies until tomorrow. Cadets are encouraged to wear their uniforms to school tomorrow if they are attending.

J. Lemoine
Captain
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
Immortal!

Good evening.

We have a number of things going on this weekend and a bit of detail to be communicated, so ensure that you read through the following carefully:

Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign

For those of you who have volunteered to take shifts for the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign, here are the details, thank you very much for stepping up to help our primary sponsor.

All Poppy Campaign shifts will be at Phil’s Valu-Mart in Virgil. An officer will meet the cadets 10 minutes before their shift starts to ensure that they are present, dressed properly, and have their poppy box. Poppies should be handed out to anyone who does not have one, regardless of whether they donate or not. Small children should be given a sticker rather than one with a pin.

Weather is expected to be cold, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Normally, dress is C3 for these events, but a parka, gloves and (optionally) your toque should be worn for colder weather. If you have been issued a uniform and do not have a parka, gloves, or a toque, please contact me directly either by email (jody.lemoine@cadets.gc.ca) or on the squadron phone (905-468-7584) as soon as you are able and let me know what you are missing with your rough sizes so that I can get the necessary items from supply. If you do not yet have a uniform, dress appropriately for the weather.

Parents can pick their cadets up immediately following their cadets’ shift.

Grace United Church Remembrance Service

Cadets who have volunteered to be the flag party at the Grace United Church Remembrance Service should meet a staff member at the church (222 Victoria Street) at 1015 (10:15am) in C1A dress. If you do not have a uniform, black pants (no jeans) and a white collared shirt are appropriate. Parents can pick their cadets up immediately following the service at 1200 (12:00pm).

Remembrance Day Sleepover, Vigil, and Parades

The details of the Sunday evening and Monday events have already been posted here, but here are a few more details and clarifications.

Cadets will meet at 1900 (7:00pm) on Sunday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 at 410 King Street for the sleepover. Bring your uniform (on a hanger) and your boots; pyjamas; a sleeping bag and pillow; toiletries; and any other essential items for a sleepover. All cadets will participate in vigil shifts at the cenotaph in the morning. Those cadets who will be attending Remembrance Day ceremonies at their schools may be excused afterwards. All other cadets can be picked up at 1500 (3:00pm) on Monday at the Legion branch.

Dress for the Sunday evening portion is casual. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Dress for the Monday parades is full dress uniform: C1A. The weather is anticipated to be cold, so bring your parka, gloves, and toque. As mentioned above in for the Poppy Campaign, please contact me if you have been issued a uniform but are missing a parka, gloves, or a toque. If you haven’t been issued a uniform, wear civilian clothing (no jeans) and dress warmly.

Remember that Remembrance Day is one of 809 Squadron’s most important community and citizenship observations of the year. It is important that all cadets participate.

See you there!

J. Lemoine
Captain
Commanding Officer
809 Newark RCACS
Immortal!