Due to COVID-19, Remembrance Day ceremonies across the Halifax Regional Municipality have been reduced this year, with many having been moved to a virtual platform.
The Grand Parade ceremony held on Wednesday morning was closed to the public, but livestreamed through media outlet including Global News.
During the ceremony, District F Commander Richard Malin not only commemorated fallen Canadian troops, but also gave praise to the nation’s first responders as they continue to fight on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this week, the HRM advised residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines when planning Remembrance Day gatherings.
“The Royal Canadian Legion in Nova Scotia is asking the public to please stay home on Remembrance Day and take a quiet moment to reflect what our veterans, both past and present, have sacrificed for the peace and security of Canada and around the world,” the HRM said in a statement.
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- Video shows Ontario police sharing Trudeau’s location with protester, investigation launched
- Canadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’
- Solar eclipse eye damage: More than 160 cases reported in Ontario, Quebec
Premier Stephen McNeil also released a statement on Tuesday saying that this year marks some significant war anniversaries. It is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and 75 years ago, the Netherlands was liberated and VE-Day was celebrated.
“Millions of lives were lost in the Second World War in Europe and the course of history was changed. Nova Scotians and our fellow Canadians were an important part of the allied effort,” said McNeil.
He said this is also a time to remember those lost this year in the Cyclone crash off the coast of Greece and the Snowbirds tragedy in British Columbia.
“While we cannot gather together as we have in the past, I encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and serve today,” McNeil said.
Canadian Armed Forces members Stephen Mills attended the ceremony at Grand Parade with his wife Wendy. The couple met while serving on tour in Afghanistan and despite the COVID-19 warnings to stay home, they wanted to be there in-person to pay their respects for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
“I always come out for Remembrance Day, whether it’s with my unit or on my own, I just wouldn’t miss it,” said Mills. “It means a lot to me. I’ve lost friends overseas and it’s just one of those things, regardless of the weather or COVID or whatever else is going on, I’ll never miss out on Remembrance Day.”
At the Sailors Memorial in Point Pleasant Park, a small group of former Canadian Navy members and supporters gathered for a small and informal Remembrance Day ceremony while respecting social distancing.
“I thought it was perfect given the circumstances,” said Bruce Belliveau, organizer and president of the Nova Scotia Naval Association of Canada. “What I feel bad about the most is the veterans and the fact they can’t come together in fellowship on a day they always come together in fellowship.”
This year mark’s the 99th consecutive Remembrance Day ceremony and usually, there would be hundreds of people gathered in Point Pleasant Park to commemorate the occasion.
So it was important for the group to keep the tradition alive.
“This hasn’t stopped and it’s not going to,” said Belliveau. “Because people like this who gathered here today are not going to let that happen.”
Jim Cummings served 26 years in the Canadian Navy and said wanted to be here today to place his poppy on the memorial like he does every year.
“It’s just really, really disappointing,” said Cummings. “Usually, we see the big crowds, especially down here.
“It’s just such a beautiful day and normally we have rather cool weather, either rain or snow,” said Cummings. “But today it’s just beautiful and it’s too bad we just can’t get all get together.”
Comments