DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have limited what the local Lindsay legion branch can do for Remembrance Day.
“The wreath will be laid from the branch, there will be a prayer when our colour party marches up with our flags, and the bugler will sound off, and then they’ll march back,” Sir Sam Hughes Branch 67 secretary/treasurer Kim Junkin told The Standard.
The decision not to hold a public event came from the National Headquarters of the Royal Canadian Legion.
While the local branch feels they can’t tell people not to attend, they feel it’s safer if people stay home.
“We’re not recommending anybody come out, because of [COVID-19]. Gatherings are restricted, but we can’t stop people from coming out. We’re not encouraging them to come out, only because of [COVID-19] and the restrictions,” local legion official Wally Tomasik said.
Due to COVID concerns and health restrictions, the Lindsay legion expects to see a drop in poppy sales revenue this year.
“We’re still allowed to take [poppy boxes] out to certain stores. Certain stores have said they will take our boxes, but there’s going to be a very big loss this year, because we can’t canvas,” Ms. Junkin explained.
People are encouraged to watch a service on the Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters Facebook page.
The Standard Newspaper recommends, since we can’t be there in person, let’s help make up some of that shortfall and show support to our veterans through giving a donation to the Royal Canadian Legion directly or by giving a little more when you buy your poppy this year.