This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will not be cancelled due to COVID-19 - but it will be heavily modified.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 73 will still host a wreath-laying ceremony Nov. 11, but will not hold the large community vigil the group hosts most years at the R.H. Channing Auditorium. Instead, the event will be opened to a small number of people indoors at the Legion Hall on Hapnot Street.
“This has been a trying year with lockdown, COVID-19 rules and regulations that we must adhere to,” reads a statement from Legion branch president Bob Penner.
The Legion event will have a maximum attendance of 20 people with social distancing in effect. The ceremony will be streamed online on the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 73 Facebook page for people unable to attend.
The program will remain the same as far as procedure, including the laying of wreaths. Fewer wreaths will be laid this year, as most businesses will not have representatives inside the hall - the traditional Government of Canada, Silver Cross Mother, Second World War Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Afghanistan Veterans, Flin Flon MLA, Legion and Legion Ladies Auxiliary wreaths will be laid, then a list of businesses that purchased wreaths will be read out.
“Please bear with us, as we wish to not offend anyone or any organization in our area and surrounding communities,” reads Penner’s statement.
Changes are also in effect for the Legion’s poppy sale campaign. The legion will not hold any tag days as part of this year’s poppy drive, choosing instead to ask local businesses to allow poppy collection boxes inside.
Anyone hoping to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony, buy a poppy, sponsor a wreath or seek more information can call the Legion office at (204) 687-3843.
