Amid smaller Charlottetown Remembrance Day ceremony, MC highlights other ways to pay respects

The Remembrance Day event at the Charlottetown cenotaph Wednesday was smaller than usual due to COVID-19.

Typically, hundreds ofpeople flock to the end of Great George Street on Nov.11to remember Canadian veterans who fought in various conflicts around the world,but several areas, including Charlottetown, had to come up with otherplans for remembrance during the global pandemic.

However, it wasn't the first time Canadianshad to deal with a pandemic.

"One hundred years ago as soldiers returned from the First World War, many of them faced a new enemy in the form of the Spanish flu pandemic," said Maj. Rev. Tom Hamilton, the master of ceremonies.

"Friends and neighbours were separated from each other. Yet, they were united in their resolve toremember the sacrifices made during the First World War."

Even though large public gatherings are not permitted, Hamilton said there are still ways to remember.

"We can still call a veteran and thank them for their service," he said."We can still go to a local cemetery and place a poppy or wreath on the grave of a veteran."

Hamilton said he hopes other Remembrance Day traditions that werecancelled due to the pandemic will take place next year.

Lt. Rory O'Donnell, performed the Last Post before a two-minute silence at 11a.m. AT. Rev. Paula Hamilton delivered prayers.

Charlottetown MP Sean Casey, MLA Natalie Jameson and Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown laid wreaths on behalf of various levels of government.

StevenHarris, assistant deputy minister of strategic oversight and planning, laid a wreath on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. Wreaths were also laid representing the Canadian Armed Forces, the provincial command and the Royal Canadian Legion.

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