Remembrance Day in Colborne is getting back to normal on Nov. 11, or as close to normal as it can during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 restrictions for Remembrance Day 2020 in Colborne meant a smaller ceremony with only invited guest taking part, and the general public asked to stay home. This year, however, with gathering restrictions lifted by the province for larger organized events like Remembrance Day, the Nov. 11 service will be more like those held pre-pandemic, said John Lilje, who’s in charge of Remembrance Day in Colborne.
“I think it’s great because I think it’s so important,” said Lilje. “It gives us a little bit of normality. Things are going a little bit closer to normal.”
Lilje, who’s also the Sergeant-at-Arms at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 187 in Colborne, noted the only difference is the veterans’ parade will not be held this year.
“We used to have a street parade that went from Circle K to Victoria Park. That was eliminated because when we originally did the planning there were no street parades allowed (due to COVID restrictions) at the time.”
The public is asked to arrive at the cenotaph at Victoria Park at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony itself will begin just before 11 a.m. with introductions and the Canadian national anthem. The traditional playing of The Last Post followed by two minutes of silence will start at 11 a.m. A student from Colborne Public School will read the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ during the service.
Although the ceremony is outdoors, Lilje said those in attendance are encouraged to social distance and to wear a mask.
“All the dignitaries and invited guests are all going to be wearing masks and we’re going to be practising social distancing as much as we can,” he said.
Members of Canadian Forces at 8 Wing Trenton, various service clubs and organization will be on hand for the service, as well as representatives from MP Philip Lawrence’s office and from provincial MPP David Piccini’s office. A representative from the Brighton OPP detachment, which covers Colborne, will also be in attendance along with Cramahe Township Mayor and Northumberland County Deputy Warden Mandy Martin.
Lilje said 45 wreaths will be laid by the public, area service clubs and by dignitaries attending the service. Several veterans will also be laying wreaths at the cenotaph during the service.
“We’re trying to incorporate as many veterans into the service as possible,” he said.
Among the veterans who will lay wreaths are two retired Canadian Forces veterans Sergeant (ret.) Colin Dunn and Captain (retired) Pascale Dunn.
“They both reside in Kingston and they are good friends of mine who came last year to our Remembrance Day in Colborne at my invitation to lay wreaths on behalf of Afghanistan comrades. They enjoyed themselves so much last year that they’re coming back this year,” said Lilje.
Lilje is also a Canadian veteran, having served 41 years in the Canadian military in the regular forces in the army and the navy. He then retired and entered the primary reserve, which was in the navy. A few years ago, instead of retiring, he continued on in the military as a cadet instructor, working with cadets as a member of the Canadian military reserve, which he still currently does.
“For me, I never served in a combat role even though I was in the regular force when we were in Afghanistan and Bosnia. I was in a support role back in Canada, so I never served in a combat role like so many of my friends did. My grandfather was in the military, my father was in the military, so I have a deep background in the military,” said Lilje.
With the military continuing to play a large role in his life, Lilje explained that Remembrance Day holds deep meaning for him and carries so many emotions.
“It’s important to remember those that served and made the supreme sacrifice, but also those that came back and were never the same,” he said.
The Colborne Legion is also hosting a Veterans Dinner by invitation only on the night of Remembrance Day, an event that was cancelled last year due to COVID. Lilje says it’s a way to thank the local veterans for their sacrifices.
The Legion is also hosting a reception following the Remembrance Day ceremony with a light lunch. Masks are mandatory and those entering the Legion will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination. The Legion also has a capacity limit for the reception.
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