The Cochrane community is once again showing off its support for veterans, with hopes to help the Legion reach its $50,000 goal for this year's Poppy Campaign. "We're really pleased and surprised to see a lot of $5 donations this year," said Legion first vice president Dave Usherwood. "This year we're concentrating on remembering the 100th anniversary of World War I armistice." The centennial reflection on the end of the First World War will culminate with sounds across town, as churches throughout Cochrane are encouraged to ring their bells 100 times at 10 minutes before sunset. Legion president Karen Bruens said residents will want to step outside around 4:45 p.m. to listen for the vigil toning of the bells across town. This follows a busy morning Remembrance Day service in Cochrane – one that begins at Cochrane High and ends at the Cenotaph, with all invited to lunch at the Legion after the formal ceremony that culminates with the laying of the wreaths. "It's two parts that make the whole," said Bruens, emphasizing that while some mistakenly think the two locations means two separate services, this is not the case – it's all part of one long-standing tradition, where the entire procession and spectators walk down Fourth Avenue to the downtown cenotaph in time for the 11 a.m. moment of silence to remember the fallen. This year, the Calgary Flying Club will conduct at flypast (fly over) at 10:57 a.m. Legion past president Darla Gullons will emcee the Cochrane High portion and Afghanistan war veteran Cpt. (ret.) Bruce Talsma will emcee the cenotaph chapter. Each year, the attendance at the downtown ceremony continues to grow and spill further into the blocked off streets. Dignitaries, political representation – including MP Blake Richards, veterans, cadets, linked organizations and families of the fallen from Cochrane and Morley all take part in the wreath laying ceremony. For those who happen to be stopping by town offices, this month the Legion memorabilia, pictures and plaques will be on display at the RancheHouse. This year, with respect to the Calgary Veterans Food Bank closing down, Bruens said the Legion has been getting a lot of inquiries as to how best to directly help veterans. "We've suggested monetary donations marked to go to veteran food cards," she said, adding that all food cards purchase by the Legion are bought from local grocery stores. This year local Maverick Law, in honour of their 10 year anniversary, will match any donations made at their office by 10 times the amount – to be donated to the Legion with the fundraised dollars earmarked for gift cards for veterans. The Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion Branch #15 is located at 114 Fifth Ave.
