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Lake Cowichan Legion urges people to attend Remembrance ceremony online

They are also urging people to take part in the annual poppy campaign.
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A large crowd of Lake Cowichan folks usually turn out for Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legion is requesting that people stay away, attending online instead (Lexi Bainas/Gazette file)

The Lake Cowichan Legion will be holding a live ceremony to honour veterans on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, but they are asking the public to please watch the ceremony online, rather than attending the cenotaph in person.

“The importance of a live ceremony honouring our veterans and their sacrifices is considered paramount by the Legion,” the group said in a press release. “Our pledge to never forget echoes loudly throughout our community. To this end and due to the COVID-19 pandemic our Remembrance ceremony will take on a different appearance and have a minimum number of participants.

“Planning this year’s ceremony has been difficult but not impossible, and although a strange request, we strongly encourage non-attendance by the public as we wish to respect the guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer. Our intention is only to protect the general public’s heath. We are highly confident the public can find personal ways to honour our veterans.”

Wreaths will be laid prior to the ceremony, and anyone with their own wreath to lay is encouraged to do so after the limited number of invited participants have left. Wreaths are available for purchase through the Legion. Please contact Sam Jones at 250-710-5476 or at bogeygolfersamlc@outlook.com.

“As we cannot force spectators not to attend, we ask that if you choose to do so, that you wear a mask, observe social distancing and stay within your bubble.”

What they’d really like is for people to watch the livestream of the ceremony on their Facebook page on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

They are also urging people to take part in the annual poppy campaign.

“Each fall, the Royal Canadian Legion provides Canadians with the opportunity to remember and honour our fallen comrades by conducting the annual Poppy Campaign,” the Legion said. “By wearing a poppy, the scared symbol of Remembrance, Canadians pay tribute to their sacrifices, deeds and accomplishments.”

Poppies will be available at local businesses by donation.