Remembrance Day has always been a time for both reflecting on loss and also on our good fortune. And this year is a year of remembering that we have lived through difficult times before — in fact more difficult during 1939 to 45 than we’re living through today.
This Remembrance Day will look drastically different because of the pandemic. While many annual events and ceremonies across Canada have been cancelled, some provinces are finding new ways to commemorate this significant day.
As I have been told by many locals and tourists, Vancouver hosts one of the most dignified and respectful parades they have seen. For the first time, the Royal Canadian Legion is asking the public to pay respects to veterans virtually rather than in person. There will be no parade and only invited guests will attend the ceremony this year.
Medias will broadcast Remembrance Day specials on radio, television, online, and on mobile phones through the apps. The legion will also broadcast live ceremonies through its Facebook page. Some individual branches will still hold their own ceremonies, and anyone looking for more information is asked to contact their nearest branch.
It is very important for our next generation to understand how fortunate we are to live in Canada, especially in the current COVID-19 crisis.
