Nov 04, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- It seems Uxbridge's memory has stood the test of time.

While the great world wars sink further into history, the sacrifices remain on the surface of the minds of residents young and old, say Uxbridge Legion members. In fact, support for those who served Canada in combat appears to be as strong as ever, they said.

Harry Stemp and Gary Laing of the Legion were busy preparing boxes of poppies for distribution the morning of Oct. 30, with the annual poppy drive kicking off that day. The poppy funds help pay for needs, such as hearing aids, for local veterans.

More than 80 volunteers from the Legion and the Uxbridge Cadets are taking to the streets to offer the poppies in front of various businesses, while 87 more boxes will be placed inside stores until Nov. 11.

"Remembrance Day (support) is growing," said Mr. Laing. "We get more people coming in asking for boxes (of poppies) for their businesses."

Added Mr. Stemp, "I think the current war (in Afghanistan) has brought a lot of interest."

Meanwhile, Legion membership is as strong as ever, they said. Of the 600 or so members, 39 served in the Second World War or Korean War, with a few others "connected" to Afghanistan.

"We're losing vets, but we're also gaining vets," said Mr. Stemp.

But it's not only those who lived through world wars who are taking an interest. Youth have been frequenting the Legion to take part in a dart league and apparently some are interested in learning about history while there.

"The dynamic of the Legion is changing," said Mr. Laing, adding bingo is another popular pastime at the Franklin Street building, drawing an average of 58 people every Thursday evening.

Lucy Black, principal of Uxbridge Secondary School, said paying respects to those who have served remains front and centre for students at the school. Uxbridge Secondary has a "tradition" of organizing an assembly with music and a slideshow to mark Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, while a group of pupils are preparing for an April trip overseas to celebrate the liberation of Holland, said Ms. Black.

Also, on Nov. 27, the high school is welcoming Eva Olsson, a Holocaust survivor, who is "speaking to students, and relaying this to bullying", said the principal.

Meanwhile, Legion members have been invited to drop the puck at an upcoming Uxbridge Bruins hockey game, while a Remembrance Day service is planned for the residents of ReachView Village. Another ceremony will land in Uxbridge council chambers on Monday, Nov. 9. Those all lead up to the main event at the Cenotaph at Toronto and Brock streets on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

Many of the wreaths will be laid prior to 11 a.m. to shorten the ceremony, noted Mr. Laing. Those interested in buying a wreath for the service can call the Uxbridge Legion at 905-852-5293.