Expanded Remembrance Day displays honour veterans

Tim Brody - Editor

Created with love and representing many hours of work, beautiful Remembrance Day displays have been set up in Sioux Lookout and Hudson.
This is the second year the displays have gone up and they have been expanded upon this year.
“In Sioux Lookout we have the three panels on the clock. We added a panel to the (front of) Legion this year. There’s a smaller swag on the inside of the Legion,” said Dorothy Broderick, one of approximately 25-30 volunteers who worked on the displays both last year and this year.
“To honour and recognize Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, we figured out how to make a medicine wheel on the inside of a poppy, so each of three panels on the town clock has a medicine wheel poppy on it,” Broderick added.
“Last year (in Hudson) we had a small swag by the cenotaph and the two sidewalk panels. The sidewalk panels didn’t really withstand weather and traffic, so we determined to take those apart this year and then this year there are now two swags beside the cenotaph, there’s a panel on the church railing right beside the cenotaph area and there’s two swags on the little bench, garden area outside of the Hudson Hall where they go and have lunch (following the Remembrance Day service). There is another panel going up inside the hall,” Broderick said.
Broderick said the idea for the displays originated with Sioux Lookout resident Ruth Coughlin. “Kelli George-Egerter and myself ended up taking it on and organizing it and coordinating everything,” Broderick explained. 
Between last year’s displays and expansions to the displays this year, Broderick estimates more than 1500 crocheted and knitted poppies have been created.
“A whole group of people started making them. There were a couple that made a ton, Cathy Morriss made, I think, about 300 for Hudson. Cheryl West made another whole bunch for Hudson this year – I think she had about 100 for Hudson this year. Last year they both made quite a bit,” Broderick noted.
“Because Sioux Lookout had a bigger display than Hudson last year, this year we wanted to focus on expanding a bit out there,” Broderick said.
“They are well loved. We’ve got a lot of positive feedback,” Broderick said of the displays, which were set up last week.
Broderick said volunteers plan to expand the display even further next year.
Donations of yarn, especially red, would assist volunteers in their efforts, and if people wish, monetary donations to purchase yarn and supplies.
People can drop donations off with Broderick, George Egerter, or Pat Uren.
Donations can also be dropped off at Drayton Cash and Carry.
“Just a huge thank you to everyone who contributed and everyone who is the reason we wear poppies to begin with, Broderick concluded. 
The Remembrance Day service in Hudson will take place on Nov. 11 at 11. a.m. at the cenotaph on Hudson’s main street, followed by a light luncheon at the Hudson Community Hall. 
The Remembrance Day service in Sioux Lookout will take place on Nov. 11 at the Edwin Switzer Memorial Legion, Branch 78. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. People are asked to be seated by 10:45 a.m. so the service can begin at 10:50 a.m. in the Upper Legion Hall.
Beef on a bun, provided by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, will be served in the Lower Legion Clubroom following the service.