On this day and on this week we remember

The week of Nov. 5 to 11 is Veterans’ Week, an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of our veterans. It is a truly national undertaking with ceremonies, activities and commemorative events taking place across the country.

To our veterans and their families, thank you for answering the call to serve and for making Canada and the world a better place to live. Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, marks the final day of Veterans’ Week and recalls the end of hostilities during the First World War on that date in 1918. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians gather wherever they are and observe a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and to recognize their service to our country.In towns across Canada we remember those who served our country during wartime. The Port Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 will hold its annual Remembrance Day service and parade in downtown Port Coquitlam. In our new Veterans Square.

Veterans and officials will parade through Shaughnessy St. from Wilson Ave. to McAllister Ave. at 10am, ending at the cenotaph in Veterans Park for a wreath-laying service. If you are able, join your local ceremony so that the veterans and their families can see that we will never forget their sacrifice and service to us.

Remembrance Day

Yesterday my association held a free luncheon to honour our veterans, There were veterans of all ages and their families at the event. My father and my uncle were both veterans, my nephew is currently serving and I am proud of the service they gave and are giving to our country.  

On November 8th there was a day to honour the Indigenous Veterans who served Canada. 

Today In every city, town, and village across Canada people are stopping what they are doing at 11:00 AM for a moment of silence to honour those men and women who have served Canada in war and in peace. It's so important that we recognize, commemorate and remember their sacrifices. As we reflect, we remember those who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed. We hold their loved ones, families and communities in our hearts. Lest we forget!

In a time of a Pandemic how do we celebrate Remembrance Day?

 As we move into October, we are busy planning for Thanksgiving and Halloween, but what about Remembrance Day? The Legion has been thinking about this and they put out the following information to help you plan for the day.

The global pandemic has directly affected the execution of this year’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. However, The Royal Canadian Legion is still planning for a much smaller yet heartfelt ceremony, which will include a maximum of 100 participants.

“The importance of a live ceremony honouring our Veterans and their sacrifices is considered paramount by the Legion, especially during the 75^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War,” says Danny Martin, National Ceremony Director. “At a time when we have all been isolated for months by the pandemic, ensuring the symbolism of the Legion and community leaders paying homage to our Veterans are more important than ever.”

For the first time, spectators will be discouraged from attending in person, due to the limited space and requirement to physically distance. The smaller number of people participating will be required to remain 2m apart and will need to wear masks unless performing certain duties related to the ceremony.

Anticipated significant changes to this year’s commemoration include:

·       No Veteran’s parade

·       No Canadian Armed Forces parade

·       A reduced colour party

·       Wreaths pre-positioned such that no wreath bearers or assistants will be required

·       No members of the Cadets or Junior Rangers present

Similarly scaled back ceremonies will be organized by many Legion Branches across the country, to the best of their abilities given the current restrictions. Please contact your local Legion Branch for updated information as the weeks progress. The Legion’s National Headquarters will also continue to release national updates as more details become available.

The Legion will offer a Facebook Live presentation of the National Remembrance Day ceremony and additional broadcast plans are under consideration.