COVID-19 will not stop the Castlegar Remembrance Day ceremony this year, but it will greatly alter how the ceremony takes place.
The traditional Nov. 11 ceremony usually attracts hundreds of local residents looking to pay their respects and show their appreciation for those who have sacrificed for our country.
This year there will not be a parade marching through downtown, but the ceremony will still be held in front of the cenotaph at Kinsmen Park at 11 a.m.
The Castlegar and Robson Legion is expecting there will be fewer people attending this year, but they are asking those that do come to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines set forth by provincial and federal health authorities.
The Legion will not be opening their lounge to the public this year due to the 50-person limit on gatherings.
“It will be open to our veterans and only the veterans after the service,” said Legion vice president Dean Burdeyny. “Our apologies to their spouses, family members and friends.”
The lounge will be open to the public during its regular hours beginning at 3 p.m., but capacity will be 50 patrons at any given time.
This year wreaths will not be placed by groups or individuals during the service, they will be placed by Legion volunteers beforehand.
However, Burdeyny says that those wishing to place something, such as their poppy, at the cenotaph after the service will be permitted to do so.
If you have any questions, call the Castlegar Legion at 250-365-7017 or email rcl170@shaw.ca.
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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