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The Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will make an official visit to Orangeville, to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Alexandra Park (north of Town Hall).



She will join the November 11 ceremonies and will be escorted to the cenotaph by Mayor Sandy Brown and Legion President Barry Kimber. As the Crown’s representative in Ontario, the Lieutenant Governor exercises constitutional powers and promotes a strong and positive civic community.



The Lieutenant Governor regularly participates in Remembrance Day ceremonies outside of Toronto in order to recognize veterans from across the province. The Town was contacted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario indicating her interest in attending the local service.



The Remembrance Day ceremony starts with a parade by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233, from 7 John Street to Alexandra Park, escorted by the Orangeville Police Service. A moment’s silence follows at 11 a.m.



“It will be a great honour for Orangeville to receive the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, on Remembrance Day 2019,” said Mayor Sandy Brown.  “We look forward to standing with Her Honour alongside veterans, members of our Legion, other dignitaries and many citizens during our beautiful and solemn Remembrance Day Service.   There are 444 municipalities in Ontario – we are extremely fortunate to have been chosen by the Lieutenant Governor -- and have her visit Orangeville to participate in this annual ceremony.”



As Legion Branch 233 President Barry Kimber said, it is the duty of the Royal Canadian Legion to keep the spirit of “Remembrance” alive. “This is a sacred trust we hold, to keep the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr. Kimber says. “During the Poppy Campaign, your generous donations and the wearing of the Poppy, keep history alive, as well as enable us to provide help and assistance to any veteran and their families who are in need. This gives Canadians the opportunity to join with us, the Legion, in the “Act of Remembrance”. Please join us on November 11 at 11 a.m. at the cenotaph in Alexandra Park where we will honour and pay respect to all our veterans, past and present. We are honoured to welcome the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony.”



Although Remembrance Day is a key focus at this time of year, Poppy Campaign chair Charles Simpson says we must keep the memory of all of those who served and are currently serving alive 365 days a year. “The ultimate sacrifice is a debt that cannot ever be paid. As a veteran myself, I can only ask all citizens, especially our youth, to keep the memory alive of all those who went and did not return, who went and did come back, and to all of those who are currently serving.



The Royal Canadian Legion Annual Poppy Campaign runs from October 25 to November 11, 2019. Poppy donation boxes will be available at local businesses as of October 25.





Poppy Campaign Chair Charles Simpson and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233 President Barry Kimber join Mayor Sandy Brown and Deputy Mayor Andy Macintosh in Alexandra Park as Poppy Campaign is proclaimed and kicks off.