UPDATED NOV. 12 In another pandemic year, local communities were challenged yet again on how to recognize Remembrance Day safely.
The Kerrobert Legion held a private, solemn service at the local Legion Branch which consisted of lowering the flag, reading the Roll of Honor, laying a wreath and two minutes of silence.
In Luseland, concerns about gathering people in these unprecedented times resulted in a decision to have a minute of silence observed at the community's Cenotaph as well as playing the Last Post. Residents were also encouraged to step out on their front porch to join in in the minute of silence and hear the Last Post.
The Luseland Library held a special activity earlier that week for children to create poppies or Remembrance Day scenes from lego.
Wilkie Town Councilor, Helen Urlacher, asked for residents to join her in Wilkie's Memorial Park on the 11th hour of the 11th day for a brief ceremony to mark Remembrance day, where three wreaths would be laid. A small turnout came out to take part which also included a reading of "Flander's Fields" and a minute of silence observed after hearing the Last Post played.
The Village of Senlac, in a 15 year tradition, held Remembrance Day service which included a memorial display at the gate and as well as a tribute display in the hall where service was held, in which 35 people attended.
The community of Unity, for a third year, had volunteers light the candles along the path leading up to the Cenotaph in Memorial Park as well as placing candles on the Cenotaph base from dusk of Nov. 10 to dark of Nov. 11th as their way to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, veterans, local Legion and those who are serving. 76 candles lined the path representing 76 years since the end of WWII, while numerous candles on the base and around the Cenotaph represented those who had served and are serving.
An outdoor service was also held in Unity's Memorial Park on Nov. 11. A very good attendance was recognized with the service including a US Army veteran speaker, who now resides in Unity. During the program a special flyover was seen by pilot Norbert Glatt, who flew over a biplane with a Canadian Flag flying from it.
A variety of businesses and residents created displays all week in recognition of Remembrance Day, including numerous yard signs seen in resident's yards purchased from the Legion Poppy store.
Later on the evening of Nov. 11th a impressive drive by parade was held to pay tribute to those who have served and are serving and circled the beautifully lit up Memorial Park. 27 vehicles and 20 walkers were led by Unity Fire Department and RCMP. After the second lap around the park, everyone stopped to either walk through the candle lit park or pay tribute from outside the vehicles. Many of those involved said this was a profound experience to be part of and hope that it becomes tradition.
