This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will look a bit different, as COVID guidelines will limit the number of people present and the ceremony will be closed to the public.
There will also be no parade or service at the Legion.
However, Legion member Randy Hamilton says it’s still important to have a ceremony and honour the memory of active and fallen veterans.
“It’s important to the memory of vets that have passed away to their families, it’s important to active vets, and obviously, to remember their fallen comrades,” said Hamilton. “The message won’t be forgotten.”
Hamilton encourages Golden locals to observe the moment of silence at 11 a.m. and to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made by veterans over the years.
The ceremony will be limited, with fewer people in attendance to remain in compliance with federal and provincial health guidelines, as well as the guidelines from the BC-Yukon Legion governing body.
The ceremony will be live-streamed by the Golden Star for those who want to view it.
Hamilton says the Legion will still run the wreath and poppy campaigns this year, although both will be modified for COVID.
Locals will still be able to purchase wreaths online via Facebook, according to Hamilton, or over the phone by calling the Legion and speaking with him or leaving a message.
Hamilton says details are still being worked out on how the wreaths will be delivered, as the Legion is contemplating driving them around town for drop-off outside of people’s homes.
The Legion won’t be able to set up poppy trays across town as in the past, either, so efforts to modify that campaign are underway.
Hamilton says they’re thinking of having set days at the Legion where people can stop by on a Saturday and buy as many poppies as they need, in a safe and sanitary manner.
“We’d have to sterilize the trays every time someone touched them, so we’re going to move them to the branch,” said Hamilton.
“It’s still important to us, so come by and make a donation and pick up five or so for friends, family. It’s all we’ve been able to work out for now.”
The branch’s open hours are currently Friday and Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m.
