Donate to the Poppy Campaign and watch Remembrance Day services from the safety of your own home.
That’s the advice of Dan Travers of the about this year’s services.
Legions across the country are grappling with how to proceed with the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day services while keeping veterans and the public safe from the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Details are to be worked out, but ceremonies will be held in Midland and Penetanguishene at the cenotaph for a small number of people.
The Midland Legion has partnered with Rogers TV Midland this year to live stream its Nov. 11 service.
“This year, safety and public health has to be our No. 1 priority. We are discouraging in-person attendance, but we are hoping as many people as possible can join us by livestream on Rogers,” said Travers.
The is planning on limiting the service to 25 essential people at the cenotaph, said president and District E Commander Paul Howe.
“Legionnaires, the Ladies’ Auxiliary and veterans representing the First World War, Second World War, Korea, Bosnia and Afghanistan — as long as we recognize those who have fought for our country, as long as we lay wreaths for the different wars, that’s the best we can do,” Howe said.
Travers said despite the changes this year, “It’s immensely important we do remember the individuals who served our country and died for our country and the freedom we enjoy today.”
This year, there will be no Remembrance Day church services, parade or after-service meal. No cadets, first responders or military will be invited to the service.
Wreaths can be purchased in advance, but there will no lineup of people placing wreaths. They will likely be placed before the service.
The Poppy Campaign remains a cash collection. Legion members are working on details to safely collect funds. Monies raised go to local veterans and their families, not to Legion operating funds.
Poppy Campaign donations can be made online and directed to local branches through the website at .
The Penetanguishene Legion is also selling poppy masks for $10.
