A remembrance day tradition, started during the Afghanistan war, continues in Sarnia on November 10.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 is holding a special candlelight vigil, where residents can pay tribute to soldiers past and present.
Past President Les Jones said candles are available for a minimum donation of $5 at the Legion during regular business hours.
"They can place a message on that candle," said Jones. "It could be for a family member who has served or is serving, or it could just be a general message to remember those who have served. We meet at Sarnia City Hall at around 6:30 p.m., we get all the candles lit, and we walk down to the Cenotaph at the Legion, it's just a short walk."
Jones said once everyone arrives at the Legion, there will be a ceremony of remembrance, and people will place their candles at the Cenotaph.
"They remain there overnight and our local cadet corps stands vigil all night until the morning," he said. "Some people [make donations] for a candle but are unable to attend. That's not a problem. We can get that candle down to the Cenotaph and have it placed for them."
Jones said on November 11, the annual Remembrance Day parade will march through Sarnia's downtown.
"We form up at the Legion and we march off at about 10:35 a.m.," he said. "We try to time it as best we can to get to the Cenotaph at Veteran's Park just before 11 a.m. Then, we have our ceremony of remembrance and the laying of the wreaths."
Jones said the community always comes together in high numbers to mark the sombre occasion.
"I've been marching in Remembrance Day parades since 1988 here in Sarnia," he said. "I'm amazed at the number of people who turn out to honour that day. And now that it is on a Saturday, we're hoping to have a larger crowd and to see younger people there as well."
The Royal Canadian Legion's National Poppy Campaign launched on October 27.
