Today's Remembrance Day ceremony in St. John's much different

Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada today will be markedly different from the annual events we have seen in the past.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ceremonies are being scaled back and most associated events —  parades, for example — aren’t taking place at all.

The Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day ceremony in St. John’s today is being held, as it normally is, at the National War Memorial starting at 10:55 a.m.

However, due to the pandemic, what is being described as a small ceremony is not open to the public.

According to a news release from office of Premier Andrew Furey, who is taking part, the event is being live-streamed on the Newfoundland and Labrador Command, Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook site (@NLRCL).

Residents of the city and across the province are being asked to show remembrance, to show their respect and to recognize the day by engaging a moment of silence outside the front doors of their homes — or wherever they are — at 11 a.m.

You can add to your reflection by clicking on the links below to two postings on the NLRCL Facebook site, one is Leonard Cohen’s recital of “In Flanders Fields.” The other is a new song — “Into the Arms of Home” — performed by Alan Doyle, written by Doyle and Cory Tetford,  and accompanied by the Royal Newfoundland and Regiment Band.

As well, we have a link to the video of the Shallaway Youth Choir’s recently released video of its performance of a new musical arrangement of “In Flanders Field.”

You might also do well to scroll down through the NLRCL’s Facebook site to see other postings — including some from other media — telling the stories of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have served and who, in many cases, died while doing so.