While some people may always watch the Remembrance Day ceremony on their television, Richmond will see no parade and a very quiet No. 3 Road this year, and this worries the event’s organizer.
Matthew McBride, master of ceremonies for Remembrance Day, said Remembrance Day has gone through many “different permutations” in the past 121 years, but this year’s significantly smaller event could undermine the meaning of the day.
“I would think this year’s diminished event will not be satisfactory to a large portion of the public,” said McBride, adding that Richmond’s ceremony has involved up to 1,000 people each year.
“The modern interpretations (of Remembrance Day ceremonies) that we know today are quite large and heavily supported by the public, city hall and the entire community, but with the lack of people outside it will feel different this year.”
Richmond is represented by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada.
McBride, who is a member in both organizations, said COVID-19 has dramatically affected their poppy fund campaign operations.
“Not every member is willing to go out and engage in the public in the weeks prior to Remembrance Day and not every company that sponsors a poppy donation box is willing to have one this year,” said McBride, adding that many are fearful of additional traffic causing the spread of the coronavirus.
“There are some hurdles we have to overcome, but the outcome of the campaign is yet to be seen and that depends on the hands of fate right now.”
McBride told the Richmond News that the Legion depends on young cadets, also known as “taggers,” outside shopping malls to help fundraise for the poppy campaign, which contributes to over 50 per cent of their donations.
“The donations brought in by taggers vary, but we normally see tens of thousands through the fundraiser,” said McBride.
However, because the cadet program is not taking part this year, he said their fundraising is likely to see a 50 per cent drop in donations this year.
While the year is tough for everyone, McBride hopes people will stop for two minutes on Nov. 11 wherever they may be and just “remember.”
“Just take two minutes to stop and pause. Remember.”
