Communities across Durham are planning Remembrance Day ceremonies and are asking residents to participate virtually from the comfort of their homes.
This year, marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a moment of silence will be observed to honor all who have fallen and acknowledge those who have served for our freedom.
In a video message to the community, Mayor Dan Carter has invited community members to watch Oshawa’s virtual 2020 Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday November 11 at 10:30 am by tuning in to the live broadcast www.RogersTV.com/Durham from their computers or mobile devices. Alternatively, viewers can watch on cable 10, 63 & HD510, Ignite TV HD508.
The ceremony in Oshawa will feature laying of the wreaths and remembrance ceremony.
It will not feature a parade or gathering in Memorial Park. In an effort to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, community members are asked not to travel to Memorial Park to attend the ceremony in person.
A statement from Oshawa said in addition to watching the ceremony, there are numerous ways the community can safely reflect, honour, and remember on November 11th including:
- Observe 2 minutes of silence at 11:00 am.
- Wear a poppy and support the Poppy Campaign
- Discover our local history:
- Reach out to a Veteran by phone or email to say thank you
- Send a note to a Veteran through Postcards for Peace (students)
- Submit a photo of a relative or friend to be included on the Virtual Wall of Honour & Remembrance.
Learn about Remembrance Day and the stories of those we honour:
Whitby says pay tribute virtually
The Town of Whitby is supporting its two local Legions: Brooklin Legion Branch 152 and Whitby Legion Branch 112.
It said while Remembrance Services will not be open to the public this year due to Covid-19, there are a number of ways residents can still pay tribute to veterans and active service members, by:
Tuning into a virtual ceremony on November 11:
- Watch the National Remembrance Day ceremony on CBC or on the Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook page.
- View a livestream of the Canadian Armed Forces Remembrance Day Ceremony at Intrepid Park.
Wearing a poppy or poppy-themed item:
- Purchase a face mask or poppy-themed item from the Royal Canadian Legion’s online store, poppystore.ca – proceeds support the Legion and Canada’s Veterans.
Take a moment to learn about a hero:
- When walking through downtown Whitby or Brooklin between now and November 12 be sure to look up. You will find photos and stories of local veterans and active service members displayed on eighty-one lampposts.
- The banners designed by local graphic designer Emma Inkpen were developed through a partnership between the Town of Whitby, Brooklin Legion Branch 152 and Whitby Legion Branch 112.
A more intimate Remembrance Day
The Municipality of Clarington is partnering with local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 to mark this year’s Remembrance Day in a different more intimate way.
Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, and the rising infection numbers, there cannot be mass gatherings at cenotaphs and monuments to pay tribute to fallen Canadian soldiers. This year, the municipality will be live streaming the main Bowmanville Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The live stream will be available through Clarington’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MunofClarington. Residents are incouraged to stay home and pay tribute to our fallen heroes virtually, adhering to all Public Health guidelines.
“Every year on November 11, we pause to commemorate our Canadian soldiers who have served or continue to serve our nation to protect our lives and our liberty. This year, to support their efforts and to protect each other, I ask you to please stay home, and commemorate this important occasion virtually,” said Clarington Mayor Foster. “By doing this, you will limit your chance of exposure to Covid-19. We need to remember that our older veterans may be more susceptible to contracting the virus. Let’s do our part and mark the occasion in a safe way,” added Mayor Foster.
Clarington’s four main ceremonies are:
- Newtonville – November 7, at 10:30 am.
- Orono – November 8, at 1:30 pm.
- Newcastle – November 11, at 10:30 am.
- Bowmanville – November 11, at 10:30 am. This ceremony will be available through a live stream online through Clarington’s Facebook page.
Contrary to previous celebrations, this year, the municipality will not be approving road closures to prevent large crowds from gathering and the potential of Covid-19 transmission. There will be limited space for residents to gather at the ceremonies, following all public health guidelines. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Durham Regional Police Services will be on hand to enforce public health direction.
For all the details on how to access the live stream of Bowmanville’s Remembrance Day ceremony, visit Clarington’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MunofClarington.
There are many ways residents can show support for the Royal Canadian Legion, our veterans, and their families this Remembrance Day; visit their website to see how you can contribute, www.poppystore.ca.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: