(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

video tribute

Remembrance Day ceremonies go virtual for Red Deer Public Schools

Nov 5, 2020 | 1:49 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on local Remembrance Day ceremonies this year, including those at Red Deer Public Schools.

The pandemic means local schools are not able to host their traditional ceremonies given the limits on assemblies in schools.

However, recognizing Remembrance Day in schools and remembering those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom is said to be extremely important to both students and staff in the district, with officials noting it’s one of the biggest ceremonies on the school calendar each year.

As a result, schools from across the district came together and produced a video that will be shown division-wide to roughly 1,200 students and staff on Nov. 5.

“Our Remembrance Day video has a strong Red Deer connection with all our schools participating in the production,” said Bruce Buruma, Director of Community Relations, in a press release. “We showcase Red Deer landmarks that were used during the wars with details from local Historian Michael Dawe.”

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“We honour Red Deer Public students who served in World Wars I and II,” Buruma added. “Throughout the presentation we showcase amazing student art with Remembrance Day themes.”

Commemorating the 75 anniversary of the end of World War II, the video highlights the Dutch Liberation.

“Two Red Deer women share their story of the difficult times growing up in Holland under German occupation. Even today, you can see the joy in their faces when they remember what it was like being liberated by Canadian soldiers at the end of the war,” said Buruma.

The annual Veterans Dinner held at Hunting Hills High school each year to honour local veterans, has also been cancelled due to the pandemic.