Remembrance Day celebrations will look a little different in 2020
By Nelson Daily Staff
During a time when nothing is normal, it should come to no one’s surprise that the Remembrance Day celebrations in Nelson will be a little different.
Instead of the 1,000 plus spectators surrounding the cenotaph at City Hall, 2020 Remembrance Day will look a little different due to the current COVID-19 pandemic said Branch 51 Royal Canadian Legion President Bill Andreaschuk.
“There will be no parade but there will be a small ceremony at the (Nelson) cemetery at 8 a.m. and at the cenotaph located at City Hall starting at 10:45 a.m. on the 11th of November,” Andreaschuk explained.
“Current health regulations limit ceremony to only 50 people so in the interest of public safety, we would like to invite the public to join us on the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 51 Facebook page as well as the City of Nelson Facebook page for a live streaming event.”
Andreaschuk said by watching online, families and friends, in the comfort and safety of their home, can still honour veterans who fought during the wars to keep Canada free.
Andreaschuk said the many wreaths donated by citizens and businesses in Nelson will be pre-positioned at the cenotaph by Legion volunteers prior to the ceremony.
“It is important if (people) wish to attend the ceremony, they should ensure they stay social distanced,” Andreaschuk said.
Andreaschuk said the Nelson Legion Branch would like to thank the citizens of Nelson for their continued support.
“Even in these hard times the response to this year’s campaign has been exceptional,” Andreaschuk said.
“Wear your poppy proudly and please Stay Safe,” Andreaschuk added.
Wednesday, the Nelson Legion Branch 51 kicked off this year’s campaign as Andreaschuk presented Nelson Mayor John Dooley with the first poppy of the 2020 Legion Poppy Campaign during a ceremony in front of the cenotaph.
This year’s poppy campaign runs from October 30th to November 11th with all proceeds going to assist veterans, seniors and youth groups in the Nelson area.
