Staying COVID-19-Safe This Remembrance Day
Written by Communications, November 9, 2020
Peterborough Public Health and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Urge Residents to Honour Our Veterans Virtually This Year
As Remembrance Day approaches, Peterborough Public Health and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 would like to remind residents of the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19 while honouring our veterans. This year, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many virtual ceremonies offered online.
“Remembrance Day ceremonies will look different this year so that we can protect our older adults who can be more vulnerable to COVID-19 health risks,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “The safest option is to join one of the many virtual ceremonies taking place on November 11 where everyone can pay their respects from the comfort and safety of their own home.”
Dr. Salvaterra added that where in-person commemorations are taking place, ceremonies have been modified to invite-only, with a small group of veterans in attendance. Legions in our jurisdiction have been working with Peterborough Public Health to ensure that ceremonies are planned safely and comply with regulatory requirements. Any socializing before or after these events is discouraged.
Acting in compliance with the current Emergency Order limiting the size of gatherings, Branch 52 of the Royal Canadian Legion will not hold its annual Remembrance Day service for the public this year. Instead, in partnership with COGECO Television, the Legion has produced a virtual Remembrance Day ceremony to be broadcast on November 11th. The program will feature a short ceremony taped earlier this month at the Citizens’ War Memorial as well as a video of the service from prior years.
On Remembrance Day the Legion will hold a small, private 15-minute wreath laying service at the Peterborough Citizens’ War Memorial located in Confederation Square with 10-15 members present. There will be no reception following the service and the Legion will take all required precautions as directed by Peterborough Public Health such as maintaining 2 metres physical distance from others, wearing face coverings and a screen to separate the members in attendance from a bugler and piper who will play at the service.
Joel Chandler, President of Branch 52 stressed that the ceremony is not open to the public this year. “We want everyone to be safe on this day when we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and I ask that the community accept the need to not gather this year. YourTV has prepared a moving tribute and I believe this is the best way to pay our respects.”
YourTV will broadcast local ceremonies on November 11 with details provided at https://www.yourtv.tv/peterborough. This information is also available on City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.
Other local virtual Remembrance Day events include:
National Remembrance Day Ceremony
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 77 Lakefield
Douro-Dummer Remembrance Day Ceremony
For more Remembrance Day safety tips and public health guidance, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence Joel Chandler
Communications Manager President
Peterborough Public Health Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 52
705-743-1000, ext. 391 705-745-6361