Sacrifice remembered in Norwood and area
Local children learn about First World War as church bells toll
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918 the guns fell silent to end the Great War. Each year we set aside this date to remember and honour the bravery and sacrifice made by the thousands of man and women who have served and paid the ultimate price in the fight for righteousness and freedom. Many also honour, and rightfully so, the immeasurable contributions made by the many service animals, horses, dogs and even pigeons in the fight against evil and tyranny.
This Remembrance Day was the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The villages of Norwood, Westwood, Havelock and Hastings joined with many other communities across the nation to participate in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Bells of Peace initiative. At dusk this past Sunday church bells across Canada rang 100 times, a reminder of the moment in 1918 when church bells across Europe tolled as four years of war had come to an end.
To engage youth in this initiative, children with the help of schools, legions and youth organizations were encouraged to research, locate and place flags on the graves of Canadian Veterans of the Great War. The Havelock Legion organized for a class of grades five and six students from Havelock Belmont Public School to attend the local cemetery. Students spent about an hour searching the grave markers to discover the final resting places of at least 17 veterans of the Great War. The children were asked to record any service details about the veteran that they could find and then each stone was marked with a poppy and a small Canada Flag in remembrance.
Poppy Day Bazaar
The Norwood IODE’s annual Poppy Day Lunch & Bazaar is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Millennium Room at the Community Centre (88 Alma St.) featuring their customary tables of home baking, knitted items, crafts and raffles. There will also be selection of vendors showcasing Home Décor, Christmas Accents, Jewelry and more. The IODE will also be taking orders for Christmas Poinsettias. Admission is $2 or $8 if you come to enjoy lunch.
Historically Speaking
The Norwood Historical Society will host their next gathering on Nov.20 at 7 p.m. in the Millennium Room at the Community Centre, 88 Alma St. The guest speaker will be yours truly with a talk on the history of the village’s famous Norwood Fair, an appropriate topic as the fair celebrated its 150th anniversary this year. All are welcome, admission is free and there are rumours of some tasty goodies to enjoy at the end.
Santa Claus Parade
Asphodel-Norwood’s 21st annual Christmas Parade will roll through the streets on Nov. 24, beginning at 7:30 p.m. marking the official start of the holiday season in the village. As is the tradition, spectators will have an opportunity to donate a toy or food item to go to a less fortunate family this Christmas.
The parade will follow Spring St. to Spruce St. and then make its way onto the highway, after a quick stop at the four corners to light the village tree and to enjoy some fireworks compliments of Asphodel Norwood Fire and Rescue, the parade will turn down Colborne St. heading towards the Norwood Legion where the kids can meet up with Santa to tell him everything on their lists.