Remembering from home: how COVID-19 is changing plans for Nov. 11

In a notable year for wartime anniversaries, the Royal Canadian Legion in Nova Scotia says it has no choice but to ask everyone to stay home on Remembrance Day.

The usual packed ceremonies will be limited to invite-only guest lists with fewer than 50 people.

"It's hard it's really hard but I want people to be safe," said Marion Fryday-Cook, president of the Nova Scotia-Nunavut command of the legion.

"We're asking the public to stay home and have a moment of silence at the end of their driveway."

There will be no marches, no bands, no cadets, and most of the wreaths will be laid in advance, but people canwatch the services online or on TV.

"Anybody who wants to come ...lay a poppy or a wreath themselvesis welcome to do so, but after we're gone," said Fryday-Cook.

Protecting the WW II vets

This year marks the 80th anniversary for the Battle of Britain, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, as well as the 75th anniversary of the end of the SecondWorld War.

The Centennial Legion in Dartmouth usually hosts 1,000 people at its ceremony at Cole Harbour Place. Retired master warrant officer Joanne Geddessaidtheir guest list will be limited to just 35.

Even five Second World War veterans who are members of the legion are being asked to stay home this year.

"We hope to do something for them at their residences,but I don't think we're going to ask them out because they are very vulnerable," said Geddes.

Geddessaid she hopes the tough circumstances will put an even bigger spotlight on veterans in the countryand the importance of Remembrance Day.

"We're struggling how to provide for our veterans in need," she said. "Right now with the pandemicbetween social isolation, physical restraintsit's very hard to get out there and reach all of them."

Poppy program going ahead

Veterans are typically seen in the weeks leading up to Nov.11at poppy booths in community stores. It's the most important fundraiser for veterans programs.

But this year, most poppy baskets will be unmanned with veterans putting their faith in the honour system.

Fryday-Cook saidshe's confident people will still contribute.

"Who would take from a veteran?"