Once again this year, Canadians, including those in Elliot Lake, will be doing things a little bit differently on Nov. 11.
The 2021 public observance of Remembrance Day will be carried out in less than a week Canada-wide, including at the Elliot Lake Cenotaph on Manitoba Road.
As was the case last year, COVID-19 protocols will dictate what can and cannot be provided by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 561 during their observance on Nov. 11.
The Legion Branch is in charge of all arrangements.
Around 10:30 a.m., Canadian military veterans, their families and members of Branch 561 will gather on the street outside the legion building.
They will muster the membership, and gather for the short march to the Cenotaph one block on Veteran's Way, where they'll take the salute.
Hours earlier, a squad of volunteers will have completed putting in place poppy-festooned wreaths, memorial crosses and the setup up of temporary props and VIP seating on the Cenotaph property.
The ceremony will be shorter than usual again this year due to COVID-19 protocols which also restricted last year's commemoration of the Armistice in Elliot Lake.
As you may know, on Nov. 11, 1918, the Armistice was signed, signalling the end of the first World War.
During the service in Elliot Lake commemorating that date, the Canadian flag will be lowered to half staff in honour of thousands of Canada's men and women who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars, along with those fell on other fields of battle.
In attendance this year will be master of ceremonies Howard Tait, Branch 561 president Peter Unfried and Elliot Lake Mayor Dan Marchisella, a veteran of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
Maintaining tradition, there will be a bugler selected to play Last Post after the honour guard takes the salute and attendees observe one minute of silence exactly on the hour of 11 a.m.
As usual a choir will be in attendance to sing O Canada and God Save the Queen.
After the service, the honour guard will lead the march back to Branch 561, where light refreshments will be served inside.
COVID-19 protocols including masking and social distancing will be observed throughout the proceedings.
For more information call Branch 561 at 705-848-2712.