In collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 all programming will be virtual.
The Town of Cobourg’s Community Services Division in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 will be offering virtual community programming in order to safely pay tribute to veterans and those who continue to serve on Remembrance Day.
Traditionally, the Cobourg Remembrance Day ceremony draws hundreds of local and regional residents every year on November 11th who come together to honour veterans and those who serve. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on group gatherings the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 will be hosting a limited Remembrance Day ceremony at the Victoria Park Cenotaph that will not be open to the public. Instead, residents are encouraged to participate in the following virtual programming activities:
1. Virtual Wreath Laying
Create your own wreath and/or personal monuments at home. Take a photo of your creation and send it along with a message of remembrance. Submissions will be shared on the Experience Cobourg and Cobourg Legion Branch 133 social media pages on November 11, 2020.
Email your submission(s) to Jackie Chapman-Davis, Community Events Coordinator at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca.
2. WWI & WWII Virtual Historical Walking Tour
To share Cobourg’s personal history and unique contributions made to both world wars, the Community Services Division has revised the Armistice18 Poppy Trail Walking tours to include World War II historical information. Working with author and historian Hugh Brewster, who was vital to the Armistice18 project, the Town will be developing a video tour that can be found on ExperienceCobourg.ca and shared on the Town of Cobourg’s social media pages.
This tour will be available in time for Remembrance Day and for years to come so that residents and guests can learn about Cobourg’s history from the safety of their home.
3. 2020 Poppy Campaign
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 will be hosting their annual Poppy Campaign this year. To ensure the safety of all members of the community and the Legion volunteers, boxes will be available at participating businesses and will be protected behind plexiglass. Poppies will be available starting October 30, 2020.
Also available for purchase this year are poppy masks, mittens, toques and scarves. To purchase these additional items contact Jennifer Robison by phone at 905-375-5451 or by email at jrobison@dalewood.ca.
4. Poppy Fund Donations and Laying of Wreaths
Donations will still be accepted this year for the Poppy Fund. All wreaths will be laid prior to the Legion’s Remembrance Day Ceremony and names of individuals and families will be announced during the service. To make a donation to the Poppy Fund, please contact Jennifer Robison by phone at 905-375-5451 or by email jrobison@dalewood.ca.
5. Observe Two Minutes of Silence
On November 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. join millions of Canadians in observing two minutes of silence to pay tribute to those who served and are currently serving.
6. Watch the Cobourg Remembrance Day Ceremony Online
The Cobourg Remembrance Day Ceremony will be conducted at the Victoria Park Cenotaph on November 11, 2020 beginning at 10:30 a.m. and live-streamed through the Town of Cobourg’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/towncobourg. This event is closed to the public.
7. Interview with Local Veterans
Working in partnership with the Legion, Branch 133, the Community Services Division will be producing a video to share the story of contribution and sacrifice made by local veterans. The video will be launched on the Town of Cobourg’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/towncobourg prior to the Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11th and will be available on ExperienceCobourg.ca so that these stories can live on for years to come.
Although Remembrance Day will be different this year, we encourage all residents to join together virtually on November 11, 2020 to remember, honour and thank all those who served and sacrificed. Lest we forget.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
