VICTORIA — Scaled-back Remembrance Day ceremonies were held across British Columbia to keep people safe during the pandemic while honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for Canada.
Soldiers, veterans and front-line workers were saluted at the small and sombre gathering under grey skies at Vancouver's Victory Square cenotaph.
A black banner with the words "We Remember" fluttered from a nearby building as a few passersby watched from behind an orange construction fence.
At the B.C. legislature in Victoria, a fence circled the cenotaph where Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin placed a wreath.
Legion Padre Rev. Canon Andrew Gates delivered a brief sermon, saying the current fight for health and peace is a stark reminder that past pandemics and wars have cost millions of lives.
Vancouver ceremony organizer Cam Cathcart says the pandemic is an insidious virus that has thrust the world into a new war that is attacking young and old at home and abroad.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 11, 2020.
The Canadian Press