As Remembrance Day approaches, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 is encouraging residents of Saugeen Shores to wear a poppy with pride and take time to remember the men and women who have served our country.
In a meaningful gesture of remembrance, Matt Patterson, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 and Chair of this year’s Poppy Campaign, pins a poppy on fellow veteran Rod Petrovic who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Photos by Saugeen Times
As a veteran himself, Patterson understands the importance of remembrance and the significance of the annual Poppy Campaign. “The poppy is more than a symbol worn each November. It represents sacrifice, service and our collective responsibility to ensure that those who served are never forgotten.”
Corporal Patterson, a military veteran, joined the army in 2001 and served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. “Every veteran has a different story,” said Patterson. “Serving in Afghanistan gave me a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the importance of standing together to support much-needed assistance to Veterans and their families, supporting their well-being and ensuring they receive the care, dignity and respect they deserve”
The annual Poppy Campaign raises essential funds to support veterans and their families.
Patterson invites you to look for our dedicated Poppy Campaign volunteers throughout the community as they help remind us all to remember those who served and sacrificed for our country. “Wear your poppy with pride as a symbol of gratitude, respect and remembrance.”
Legion member Norma Dudgeon, and Remembrance Day Chair for Branch 340, is busy coordinating the many details of Port Elgin’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Cenotaph Park, located next to the Port Elgin Post Office on Mill Street.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, bringing together veterans, Legion members, families, school children and community residents to honour those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The participation of younger generations helps ensure that the meaning and importance of remembrance continue to be passed on.
Remembrance Day Ceremony Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Location: Cenotaph Park, next to the Port Elgin Post Office on Mill Street, Port Elgin
Parade Assembly: 10:30 a.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340
This year, the Remembrance Day parade will return, with participants gathering at the Legion before proceeding to the Cenotaph.
Official wreaths will be laid during the ceremony. Wreaths sponsored by local businesses and organizations will be placed in advance.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed through SouthPort Church:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/southportchurch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southport.church
NOTE: The Port Elgin Legion will open at 10:15 a.m. for veterans, Legion members, their spouses or caregivers, and invited guests who wish to watch the televised service. Lunch will follow the Cenotaph ceremony.
A Community That Remembers….
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 340 extends its sincere appreciation to the residents, businesses, organizations and volunteers who continue to support the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day commemorations year after year.
From wearing a poppy to attending the ceremony, every gesture of remembrance helps honour the sacrifices made by generations of Canadians.
On November 11th, we encourage our community to come together, pause, remember and give thanks.
Lest We Forget
