At sunset this Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 11, church bells in the Valley and beyond will ring one hundred times to honour First World War veterans. The Bells of Peace initiative by the Royal Canadian Legion marks the moment one hundred years ago when church bells across Canada rang out to let Canadians know that an armistice had been signed and the First World War was over. All local churches that have bells have agreed to participate by ringing their bells one hundred times at 4:45 p.m. These churches are in the area served by the Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 which is bounded by Whitney in the west, Killaloe in the east and Palmer Rapids and Quadeville in the south.
The Bells of Peace initiative is one of two additions to Remembrance Day events in 2018 in the Valley. Legion Branch 406 invites all members of the community including children to go to their participating local church for the Ringing of the Bells or to attend any of the following events at the Barry’s Bay Legion, 250 John Street. The Remembrance Day schedule is as follows:
10:30 a.m. — Remembrance Day Ceremony followed by a light lunch of chili and buns.
3:00 p.m. – Remember Me presented by Opeongo Readers Theatre. This performance is based on letters received by a local boy from soldiers during World War II. Cider and light snacks will be provided.
4:40 p.m. — Sunset Ceremony
4:45 p.m. — Bells of Peace will be rung to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Armistice.
Members of the public can also attend Remember Me performed by the Opeongo Readers Theatre at the Madawaska Valley Public Library at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday November 10.
Poliquin, H. (2018, Oct.25) Remembrance Day 2018: Bells of Peace Ceremony at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406 Barry’s Bay [Media advisory]
Featured photo courtesy the Royal Canadian Legion
