LAC LA BICHE - For many people in the Lac La Biche area, COVID-forced changes to how this year's Remembrance Day ceremonies will bring back some old memories.
Due to restrictions on indoor gatherings, officials with the Lac La Biche Legion McGrane Branch 28 are moving this year's Nov. 11 ceremony back outdoors.
Until they were moved inside to the Bold Center seven years ago, the Lac La Biche ceremonies were historically held outdoors at the cenotaph and eternal flame outside the Legion building on Churchill Drive.
Lac La Biche Legion President Danny Stevens says in the case of Remembrance Day locally, COVID has made what was old new again.
While the location will be familiar, there will be significant changes to the ceremony, says Stevens, disappointed that many of the local and regional military groups will not be able to join the ceremonial formations.
"We won't be able to have any of our local cadets taking part or members from the Canadian Forces," he said, adding that the ceremony length will also be reduced to about 25 minutes due to changes in the wreath laying procedures. "We will already lay out the wreaths instead of having veterans, organizations and families come up to present them at the cenotaph."
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 10:45 am, with social distancing measures in effect for any groups that will be attending.
Many of the new directives come from the local Legion's regional headquarters, which Stevens said has made the tough decisions based on public health and safety.
Despite the changes, Stevens hopes residents will continue to honour the special day. In fact, he said that because of the changes and the current global outlook, this year's event may draw people to the Legion. People may want to come out to share their thoughts or share their common respect for fallen heroes and currently serving men and women in the military and front-line service.
"It is very important that we continue to show our respect for the men and women who have given their all — and continue to — so that we have what we have," said Stevens.
Taking the ceremonies back to the cenotaph will not only bring back memories for those attending, it will also bring Mother Nature back into the day.
"Prepare for a breeze," noted Stevens with a smile. "The breeze coming off that lake . . . it can be a cool one."
But, that cold blast, he said, helps to serve as a reminder of the hardships faced by the courageous men and women that Remembrance Day is all about.
Poppy
In the Lac La Biche area, the Poppy campaign started on Nov. 1. Stevens hopes community members will give generously to the campaign, which helps to fund local and national programs sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion.
With Remembrance Day events highlighting the local legion, Stevens said local support is always welcomed. Annual membership into the McGrane Branch is available to all residents over the age of 18 and allows access to regular Legion events. Stevens says the impression that Legions are for older crowds is something that current supporters continue to try to change.
"Membership is really open to anyone. A membership shows your support of our veterans and existing members of our services," he says. "We hope to see people show their support."
