The Royal Canadian Legion’s Dominion Command has requested that Canadians take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony and honour and remember the country’s veterans from the comfort of your home.
The Clearwater Legion 259 stated last week that the ceremony is not a public event this year and that the District of Clearwater will show the live-streamed event on their website.
This isn’t in an attempt to downplay the sacrifices and courage of those fallen in war.
It doesn’t mean we are afraid to honour them.
It is not a sign of disrespect.
Far from it.
By not following the requests of the Dominion Command — requests that were made to ensure the safety and well-being of veterans, their families and the public — one would be downplaying the severity of the pandemic, while belittling our veterans and the Legion.
With COVID-19 numbers rising in B.C. at an alarming rate, it would be disrespectful, dishonourable and senseless to ridicule those who wish to keep our veterans safe (many of whom are seniors) and pay their respects in ways that promote social distancing and are free from harm.
The cenotaph in Clearwater next to the RCMP detachment is there all year round. One doesn’t need a reason (i.e., a ceremony) to visit and think of their relatives or friends and those taken from us too early.
Poppies are another way to show respect. The poppy table is set up at Buy-Low Foods, The Times’ office, and various locations around town, from now until Nov. 10. Arguably, this is a better way to support our veterans and the Legion as all funds donated go towards assisting their members.
Finally, on Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., take a moment to think about those that sacrificed themselves for the greater good. Our social media-crazed society makes us feel like we need to show others the things we do as a sort of validation. (“Pics” or it didn’t happen, right?) But it would be interesting to see a slew of silent videos posted on various platforms.
As the ultimate form of honour and respect, though, we should accept the Dominion Command’s requests, watch the ceremony from a safe distance, donate to the poppy fund and keep the fallen in our hearts.