Remembrance Day events return in Manitoba but pandemic still limits ceremonies

Manitobans eager to pay in-person tributes to Canada's soldiers and veterans this Remembrance Day have few options available, but even that's a big improvement from last year.

Typically there aredozens ofceremonies, parades and other events where Manitobans gather atthe 11th hour of the 11thday of the 11th monthto stand in honour of all who have fallen.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those events fell silent last year, going onlineas gatherings were prohibited.

Restrictions have eased somewhat this year, allowing a number of Royal Canadian Legions to welcome guests back and someceremonies to go ahead.

But the doors haven't been thrown wide opento the public just yet. Most events have strict capacity limits and others are invitation-only.

"It feels really good to be able to have people back at the services," saidGail Conrad Davey,district commander forthe Royal Canadian Legion Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command.

"It's extremely important,though our services will take different forms this year because of the restrictions."

While services last year were virtual,some adjustments were made for those without internet accesswho still wantedto participate. The Virdenlegion branch, for example,offered a phone-in optionto let up to 99 callers listen in to the ceremony.

This year, nine legion branches inWinnipeg and the surroundingarea will offer ceremonies. One of those is by invitation while the rest are open to the public, but with capacity limited tofully vaccinated people.

"So people will notice subtle differences but the occasion will be marked and we will remember," saidConrad Davey, adding this year is particularlyimportantbecause it is also the 100th anniversary of the poppy as an international symbol of remembrance.

First used in 1921, thepoppy symbolwas conceivedby Madame Anna Gurin of France, who was inspired by CanadianLt.-Col.John McCrae's poemIn Flanders Fields.

Gurin had a charity thathelped rebuild regions of France torn apart by the First World War, and created poppies made of fabric to raise funds.

Invitation-only gatherings

Under current public health orders in Manitoba, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 if anyone attending is unvaccinated.

There are no limits on gatherings if proof of vaccination is required.

The City of Winnipeg ceremony at the RBC Convention Centre, which is typically the largest in the city and draws thousands of people,is once again on hold this year.

The HMCSChippawanaval reserve, which typicallyholds the second-largest event in the province,attended by upwards of 500people, will only have about 70 this year for its invitation-only event.

Invited guests willinclude some family members of service members,along with dignitaries such asPremier Heather Stefanson and MLAJon Reyes, Manitoba's special envoy for military affairs.

Everyone attending will be required to be fully vaccinated,masked and properly distanced. There will be aging veterans in attendance which means"all the more reason to be cautious," saidSub-Lieut. John Morris.

The ceremony will also be broadcastlive via YouTubefor everyone unable to be there. Coverage begins at 10:30 a.m.

"We couldn't do anything last year so it is nice to be able to have some in-person presence," saidLt.-Cmdr. Al Fillingham, the executive officerfor HMCS Chippawa.

"We're hoping that next year we can get back to normal and have the doors open again. We know there are a lot of people who want to take part."

The Royal Canadian Air Force is also holding an invitation-only outdoor ceremony for Armed Forces members and their families at CFB Winnipeg, home to 17 Wing, a spokesperson said. Fullvaccinations, masks and distancing will be required.

However, those plans could change due to theweather forecast, which callsfor potentially heavy snowfall.

"We will not know until later today [Wednesday] if indeed it will still take place," a Department of National Defence spokesperson said.

Another outdoor event, the annual 21-gun salute at theManitoba legislature,is set to take place on the southern grounds at 11:11 a.m.

In an email to CBC News, a government spokesperson said the event will followcapacity limits in the public health orders and security will be on site to monitor attendance.

The St. Norbert service, which took place prior to the pandemic at the First World War Cenotaph,will bea virtual event once again this year.

It will be broadcast online viaYouTube, beginning at 10:45 a.m.

The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg is holding a simple event with a single piper playing at the Stone of Remembrance in theBrookside Cemetery Field of Honour. It will begin at 10:45 a.m. and end at 11 a.m., followed by two minutes of silence and a lament.

"With the memories of both world wars and many subsequent conflicts starting to fade, it is more important than ever that we never forget the enormity of sacrifice made on our behalf," society president Andrew Flook said in a news release.

Everyone planning to attend must follow all COVID-19 restrictions and wear a mask.

Legion branch events in Winnipeg and area

Charleswood (service atOak Park High School 820 Charleswood Rd.)

Service beginsat 10 a.m. Capacity is limited and restricted tofully vaccinated.

Elmwood (920 Nairn Ave.)

Ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery cancelled due to the weather forecast.

Service and lunch will take place at the Elmwood Legion branchstarting at 10:55 a.m. There is a strict limit of 120 fully vaccinated people. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. The event will also be live streamed on the branch's Facebook page.

Henderson (215 Maxwell King Dr. in East Saint Paul)

Service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Henderson branch and is limited to 173 fully vaccinated people. Visitora areasked to be seated by 10:30 a.m. Members will be given priority before the public and masks must be worn until sitting.

Norwood St. Boniface (134 Marion St.)

Service will be held in the banquet hall. Doors open at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m.Honours and awards will be presented at 2 p.m. Capacity is limited and everyone must show proof of vaccination.

St. James (1755 Portage Ave.)

No formal service will be held at Bruce Park this year, but some executive members will be laying wreaths at the cenotaph at 10:40 a.m. Everyone is welcome to do the same.

A service will follow inside the branch, open only to fully vaccinated people and with capacity limited to50 per cent.

South Osborne (426 Osborne St.)

Service starts at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public, but with limited capacity and proof of vaccination required. Masks must be worn when not seated.

Stonewall (459 Main St. in Stonewall)

Doors open at 10 a.m. for the service, which begins at 10:45 a.m. A light lunch will be provided afterward. Everyone attending must be fully vaccinated.

Transcona (117 Regent Ave E.)

Service is a private ceremony by invitation.

West Kildonan (1748 Main St.)

Members will be given priority and if capacity allows, general public will be allowed in at 10:45 a.m. Service will also be live streamed, starting at 10:50 a.m.