The president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 says Sarnia is "amazing" when it comes to honouring Canada's veterans.
Les Jones said events in the city start the night before Remembrance Day, on November 10, with a candlelight vigil in front of the Legion on Front Street.
"People are invited to come and make a donation, minimum of $5, to pick up a candle [in advance]," Jones said. "On that candle they can place a message of a family member that may have been a service member, or [a message] in memory of any soldier."
The group will gather at Sarnia City Hall just before 7 p.m. and walk with candles lit to the Legion for the short service.
"Everybody gets an opportunity to place their candle and our local Cadet Corps stand vigil the entire night, out in front of the cenotaph with the lit candles at our cenotaph," he said.
Jones said the overnight vigil started when Canadians were engaged in the Afghanistan war.
A notice shared through Sarnia-Lambton Alerts said Front Street between George Street and Derby Lane will be closed from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the vigil.
Parking spaces in front of the Legion will be coned off at 7 a.m. with local access only and no through traffic will be permitted from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Motorists are being asked to plan an alternate route.
On November 11, Jones is asking for anyone participating or attending the Remembrance Day service in Veterans Park on Wellington Street to be patient.
"The parade will be slightly changed this year," Jones said. "We will start at the Royal Canadian Legion, stepping off at about 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday. We will be changing the route, [going] down Davis Street, up Victoria Street and entering the park from the north side of the park, due to the construction in that area."
Jones is proud that one of the largest Remembrance Day parades in the area is coordinated in Sarnia.
"I've been taking part in the parade since 1986 and I've always been so happy to see so many people attending the ceremony," Jones said.
The Village of Point Edward held its Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday, November 2.
Aamjiwnaang was scheduled to hold its service at the cenotaph on Tashmoo Avenue, Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m.
