With Remembrance Day approaching, the local Royal Canadian Legion is asking Golden residents to observe the day with respect while also staying safe and healthy due to the ongoing pandemic.
A brief parade will be held to mark Nov. 11, which will conclude with a ceremony at the cenotaph, similar to previous years.
The Golden Star will be live-streaming the ceremony on Facebook for those who cannot attend in person or don’t feel safe doing so. The video will later be uploaded online.
The Legion is asking those who come in person to wear a mask, as space will be tight, making social distancing hard at times.
While it’s not an official mandate from the province, Legion member Randy Hamilton is asking people to show some respect for one another while present by keeping each other safe by wearing masks.
“We just ask to maintain both your safety and your comrades’ safety,” said Hamilton.
The annual poppy campaign has also kicked off, with poppies available at the Legion or by contacting Hamilton directly. Boxes of poppies will also be delivered to certain businesses in town.
Hamilton says last year was one of the better campaigns he’s seen in Golden, hoping that momentum will continue this year.
The main thing the Legion is looking for is volunteer help for the poppy campaign.
Those able and willing to help can contact Hamilton directly or come to the Legion on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m.
It’s the 100th year of the poppy being used as a symbol of remembrance.
While the ceremony will be similar to last year, scaled back due to COVID but also due to the Legion moving buildings and the highway closures, Hamilton says the support the Legion sees every year always astounds him.
“I’m overwhelmed at times by how many people come out to these each year,” he said.
They are hoping that next year they can return to the full service, with the parade, ceremony and service at the Legion.
The scaled-back ceremony at the cenotaph will commence at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.
