Remembrance Day services throughout central Alberta

In Penhold, a closed ceremony will be recorded on Nov. 6, with wreaths laid at the cenotaph inside the Multiplex where they will remain until Nov. 11. A video of the ceremony will be released to the public on Nov. 10.

In Blackfalds, the Blackfalds Ministerial Association will not be hosting the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Abbey Centre this year. Due to concerns for everyone’s safety, officials say it was deemed necessary to forgo the event in 2020.

In Innisfail, there will be an outdoor service only on Nov. 11, including a parade, memorial service and wreath-laying, starting with the parade at 10:45 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend but spectators must remain behind barricades and follow AHS guidelines for physical distancing.

Legion officials note, however, there will be no entertainment in the Club Room for Remembrance Day, but the Club Room will be open from 1:00-6:00 p.m. with limited seating for members only and no minors. The ceremony will be shown live on the Legion’s Facebook page as well.

In Lacombe, a private outdoor service hosted by the Legion will begin at 10:30 a.m. next to the Lacombe Memorial Centre. However, current health protocols only allow for a limit of 15 people. Therefore, the event will be limited to the colour party and a few dignitaries, with masking and physical distancing required.

Legion officials add that the lounge will not be open or host its usual events. The Poppy Campaign with local businesses, however, remains ongoing. Legion officials thank those who have donated to the campaign so far.

In Sylvan Lake, the Town is partnering with the Sylvan Lake Legion to provide a Remembrance Day service accessible to everyone. This year’s ceremonies will take place at the Community Centre; but attendance is limited to Legion members, veterans, and their families, due to COVID-19.

The ceremony will be broadcast through a live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel. Those unable to watch may also watch the ceremony on-demand, following the event.

In Rocky Mountain House, Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 8 will host an invitation only event and live stream it through the Legion’s Facebook page. Legion officials say the ceremony will consist of local veterans, executive members and dignitaries. Wreath layers will be announced during the ceremony, but wreaths will be laid in advance in honor of citizen’s requests.

In Ponoka, an outdoor service will be held in front of the memorial next to the Legion. The Legion, however, will not be open and will not be hosting a potluck lunch afterwards. Residents are encouraged to watch the Ponoka Legion Branch # 66 live stream on its Facebook page rather than attending in person.

In Olds, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105 will be honoring veterans in a closed ceremony which will commence at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 11. The event will be limited to 100 attendees, as per current COVID-19 regulations.

A public service will also be held at the Olds Cenotaph in Centennial Park following the closed ceremony and will run from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – weather permitting.

In Stettler, a shortened, restricted service will take place at the cenotaph in Sharpe’s Memorial Park. The annual roast beef dinner following the Remembrance Day program, however, is cancelled.

by Sheldon Spackman

Remembrance Day services throughout central Alberta

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