The Remembrance Day ceremony for the Courtenay Legion will be a bit different this year.
The event will be smaller than usual, with no marching parade. Spectators are also discouraged this year because of the current COVID-19 restrictions. Legions across the country are having to face the reality of holding events while facing guidelines around crowds.
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The ceremony will include the Act of Remembrance, Last Post and Rouse by the Legion鈥檚 bugler and the Lament by the piper. Colour Party will be depositing the Colours. Federal, provincial and local government representatives only will lay wreaths. All other wreaths will have been pre-placed and acknowledged on the Legion website at www.courtenaylegion.ca.
Anyone wishing to place a wreath in person is asked to do so after the ceremony. As well, the CFB Comox fly-by will be dependent on weather conditions.
Organizers are planning on streaming Facebook Live, while a ceremony from Victoria ceremony will be on CHEK TV Channel 6. Nationally, the ceremony will be broadcast on CBC at 7:30 a.m., Pacific time.
From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, millions of Canadians wear a poppy as a visual pledge to never forget those who sacrificed for our freedom. The Legion invites everyone across the country to show their recognition by wearing this symbol of Remembrance and taking a moment to reflect.
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Courtenay Legion Branch #17 will be providing traditional poppy boxes that will accept coins, and donors will receive poppies as usual. Volunteers will set up donation tables at certain business locations if deemed feasible and safe under provincial health guidelines. Interested donors may also donate directly to the Courtenay Legion branch by cheque, money order, or e-transfer.
