Rev. Al Hingley will conduct the service on Nov. 11, which is anticipated to go on for about a half-an-hour. Visitors are asked to begin arriving at about 10:45, before it begins at 11 a.m.
Planned speakers include Donald Hogemann, president of the Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion Branch #28, and Michael Behiel, Humboldt’s mayor.
“There won’t be too many, but I think the weather will be a lot nicer than it was last year,” said Hogemann.
“Just wear some warm clothes. Some come a little light, but last year we had two feet of snow and a nasty wind. I don’t think we’ll have that much snow this year.”
Hogemann said this year’s decision to hold it outside was once again influenced by COVID-19, with pandemic regulations requiring attendees of event venues to show proof of vaccination or provide a recent COVID-19 test.
As a response, organizers felt it would be more accessible to hold an outdoor service, where people might feel most comfortable.
Hogemann said that regardless if someone is late, they are welcome to attend and are encouraged to buy a poppy to support the Legion.
The service will once again be livestreamed by Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel. The service can be found on a specific page for “live streamed services” at schuler-lefebvrefuneralchapel.com.
Wreaths are being laid at the Cenotaph beforehand by the Legion, which can be bought by contacting Hogemann at 306-231-8664.
Hogemann said long-term, the Legion branch does intend to return to indoor ceremonies when able.
“That’s what the plan is, to go back inside and do it the way it was when I started with the Legion.”
The Legion is also organizing a raffle, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the poppy, with a prize poppy quilt donated by House of Stitches, as well as a set of secondary prizes by the Legion.
Money raised from the raffle will be given to student winners from the Royal Canadian Legion's long-standing annual poster and literary contests. Past participating schools in the contest included Muenster, Annaheim, Meadow Lake, Bruno as well as those within Humboldt.
Tickets can be bought at the Legion clubroom, through Legion members, or by calling Hogemann. E-transfers can also be made at humboldtlegion@sasktel.net. The draw date is Dec. 11.
