By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
On November 11, communities across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will gather to honour Canada’s veterans with Remembrance Day parades and services. Residents are invited to attend ceremonies in their local areas, with temporary road closures in effect to accommodate the processions and commemorative events.
The parades will feature Royal Canadian Legion branches, local schools, emergency services, and community members paying tribute to those who served in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.
Blenheim will host its parade from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #185 (34 Catherine Street). The procession will travel north on Catherine Street, east on Talbot Street West, and north on George Street to St. Mary’s Hall (94 George Street) for the service. Afterward, the parade will return via George Street, Talbot Street West, and Catherine Street.
Bothwell will hold its parade from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting at Zone Township Central School (730 Main Street North) and proceeding to the Cenotaph (334 Main Street North). Following the service, the parade will continue to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #252 (162 George Street East). Main Street North between Chestnut Street and Elm Street will be closed during the ceremony.
Chatham will observe Remembrance Day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 (39 William Street North). The parade will proceed to the Cenotaph on Sixth Street for the service, then return to the Legion. King Street West between Fifth Street and William Street, and Sixth Street between King Street West and Simcoe Lane will be closed during the event.
Dresden will host its parade from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting at CK Fire Station 6 (185 Lindsley Street) and proceeding to the Cenotaph on Queen Street. After the service, the parade will return to the fire station. Queen Street West between Centre Street and St. George Street South will be closed during the ceremony.
Erieau will hold its parade from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., beginning at 875 Mariners Road and proceeding to the Veterans Memorial Garden. After the wreath laying, the procession will return to the starting point via Ross Lane and the CK Fire service road.
Merlin will observe Remembrance Day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., starting at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 465 (2 Stanley Street) and proceeding to the Cenotaph at Kinsmen Park (10 Erie Street North). The parade will then continue to the Merlin Community Hall (150 Aberdeen Street) for a service before returning to the Legion.
Ridgetown will host its parade from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #243 (73 Main Street East) and proceeding to the Cenotaph at 61 Main Street East. Main Street East between Church Street and Broadway Avenue will be closed during the service.
Tilbury will hold its parade from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 206 (4 Stewart Avenue) and proceeding to the Cenotaph at Canal Street East. The procession will return to the Legion following the service. Queen Street South between Canal Street and Crawford Avenue will be closed during the ceremony.
Wheatley will observe Remembrance Day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning at the Wheatley United Church parking lot (59 Talbot Road West) and proceeding to the Cenotaph at 35 Talbot Road West. The parade will return to the church parking lot following the service.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and respect temporary road closures during the ceremonies. For regular updates on road closures and traffic advisories, visit the Chatham-Kent Weekly Traffic Report.
