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75 years since the end of WWII A milestone Remembrance Day, but COVID restricts ceremonies
This year’s Remembrance Day service and the annual poppy campaign will be much different than in the past as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, says Karen Crashley, Poppy Secretary for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 164.
Although small trays of poppies and tins were delivered to local businesses last month to kick off the campaign, members and veterans won’t be in businesses to carry poppies as they have in the past, said Karen. And they won’t be visiting schools this year although students are still encouraged to participate in the Legion’s poster/literary contest.
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Another change is that services will not be held at Willingdon Creek Village, Extended Care or Kiwanis Manor on November 11.
Private Ron Baker died fighting in Europe
Photos courtesy of the Powell River Museum & Archives.
Save On Food’s breakfast and lunch has been cancelled and the bus the City usually provides to take veterans to the Townsite for Remembrance Day services has been cancelled as the parade and services at Dwight Hall have all been cancelled.
Sergeant Norman Hill married an English woman while stationed overseas
Photos courtesy of the Powell River Museum & Archives.
“We will be conducting a solemn service at the Cenotaph at 11 am on November 11 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and all the veterans who sacrificed so much,” said Karen. In accordance with BC Health guidelines, in order to maintain a minimal number of people and allow for physical distancing, this service will be by invitation only. There will be a limited number of wreaths, which will be preplaced at the Cenotaph. This program will be as it has always been with the Last Post, two minutes of silence, lament, rouse, the act of remembrance, and prayer.
Joan Tomlinson went overseas with the RCAF.
Photos courtesy of the Powell River Museum & Archives.
A special block will be placed on the Cenotaph (as in the past years) for people to deposit a poppy (after the ceremony) as a remembrance of those who have served our country and community, she said.
