Remembrance Day 2020

Remembrance Day stories | CTV Northern Ontario

Every year in Canada, we observe Remembrance Day on the anniversary of the Armistice, November 11.

It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice made by so many men and women who have served and continue to serve in Canada's military.

We will bring you on a journey of discovery with stories on our service men and women, past and present, and the organization that represents them, the Royal Canadian Legion.

This year, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, ceremonies are being held online.

Greater Sudbury

Due to COVID-19, the Royal Canadian Legion has cancelled the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Sudbury Community Arena this year. Residents are encouraged to honour our heroes with a moment of silence and to support the Legion by wearing a poppy. The ceremony below was pre-recorded.

 

North Bay

This year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony, organized by The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 23, will be scaled back this year due to COVID-19 protocols. Instead of Memorial Gardens, a ceremony will be conducted at the Cenotaph on First Avenue on Nov. 11. Participation is by invitation only due to the current restrictions.

Sault Ste. Marie

Due to COVID-19, the traditional Remembrance Day ceremony at the GFL Memorial Gardens will not take place. This year’s ceremony will be at the Cenotaph with an invitation-only gathering.

Timmins

The flags at City of Timmins-owned buildings will be flying at half-mast in honour of Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

According to legion.ca: “2020 commemorations will look different from years past. Pandemic restrictions have meant significantly smaller ceremonies, or their outright cancellation. Other gatherings are being replaced with virtual ceremonies. For the first time ever, people are asked not to attend ceremonies in person.

Nevertheless, the tradition of Remembrance will continue, and Canada’s Fallen will not be forgotten. The Royal Canadian Legion encourages all Canadians to observe a moment of silence on November 11 at 11:00 a.m., to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.”

“It is a time to remember and honour those who served to preserve our way of life,” said Mayor George Pirie. “We honour those who leave and never return and also those who return but are never the same. We owe it to these men and women that fought and continue to fight for our country. Their sacrifice and courage are to be acknowledged by all.”

 

An Facebook Live event is being hosted by a Timmins DJ company here.


Remembrance Day Stories 2020



'In Flanders Fields': A close look at the iconic Canadian poem


A century later, John McCrae's piece remains one of the most famous wartime poems, and has become a hallmark of Canadian culture.

Below is a line-by-line analysis of "In Flanders Fields." Click on each of the red words to read more about the history of the poem.