While Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 members have long ties to veterans and local families going back more than 100 years, they’re seeing its community base expand and grow.
Thomas Vlasic says fellow members have family connections and memories of battlefields going back several generations, beyond the First World War.
“Some of them were involved in building the original legion in town,” he said.
“They’re very proud to be members.”
Barry’s Bay Legion marked its 80-year anniversary in July as the Canadian Legion celebrated its centenary.
Vlasic said that the legion currently has about 300 members and is growing.
Standing together in an era when Canada’s sovereignty as a nation is being challenged is something that happens everyday, he says.
“Remembrance Day is not just a single day. Remembrance day is everyday.”
Taking part in ceremonies is a way to honour vital connections with brothers, aunts, grandmothers, sons and daughters across generations who served their country and the communities that now gather in their name.
Vlasic said he comes from a large family with military roots. Most of his mother’s siblings were involved in some way in the First World War or Second World War. His father was a cadet in the Second World War.
Vlasic’s son followed in their footsteps, joining the army as a reservist.
“If you look around at what you have right now it is because of what they did back then. They did what they had to so that we can do what we want to. And I don’t think people should forget that for a moment.”
Having spaces for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice is one way the community keeps their stories alive and pays homage to the soldiers and their families.
Those bonds have endured across generations in Barry’s Bay and mean a lot to veterans and families touched by war. Ultimately, all members of the community have been touched by war or its aftermath, explained Vlasic.
Portraits of local veterans are spotlighted on banners posted high onto polls in the centre of town.
“People do recognize them. They do notice them and they do note them. I think it’s very important to have those up. It gives our youth, a chance to look up and say, ‘That’s my great uncle or my great aunt, and reflect on that and be proud of it.”
Barry’s Bay is also home to Zurakowski Park, dedicated to Janusz Zurakowski, a Second World War veteran, who took part in the Battle of Britain. Zurakowski was born in Poland and made Canada home in the years following the war.
The park was built in 2003 and stands as a memorial to the local resident and world-renowned pilot
The green memorial park space also features a lifesize statue of Zurakowski.
The site is a tribute to Zurakowski’s life and work.
“And it’s not just about the war, it’s about him,” said Vlasic. “You can get more of a connection just by visiting the various memorials around the country that include people like that.”
Members from the Second Service Battalion based out of Petawawa, are anticipated to be on site to assist with the ceremony this year.
The ceremony is anticipated to begin with introductions and brief statements from speakers, leading to the two minutes of silence.
Vlasic explained the moment of silent reflection will be followed by songs and prayers.
A poem written by a student from Barry’s Bay was selected to be part of the ceremony.
“He will be reading his poem, which won first place at our Remembrance Day contest last year at our Legion. He placed second in the zone, which is a large area around here over towards Ottawa. This is a very moving poem, so we are very lucky to have him attending to read,” added Vlasic.
In the past few years, more youth have increasingly been attending and taking part in Remembrance Day traditions. It’s a trend the legion hopes will continue to grow.
Organizers said Wednesday’s ceremony is scheduled to take place at Barry’s Bay Legion, on 250 John Street shortly before 11 a.m.
