Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406 observed 2020 Remembrance Day in Barry’s Bay outdoors on a bright, breezy day. The annual celebration recalls the end of World War I in 1918, and has been observed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month since 1919. Branch 406 President Heather Poliquin reminded attendees that Canadians have fought in other conflicts and many have given their lives so that we might enjoy freedom today, and pointed out that this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II.
This Remembrance Ceremony was different due to COVID-19 restrictions. Branch 406 discouraged members of the public from attending to make it easier to limit numbers and to keep those assembled appropriately distanced from each other. Other changes in the order of service were apparent to help protect participants: no military personnel were present, singing was not permitted, all wreaths were pre-positioned outdoors, no Silver Cross mother was named, and after the ceremony only light refreshments were offered instead of a full chilli lunch.
Despite these differences Branch 406 conducted a very thoughtful and moving Ceremony of Remembrance that included observing a minute of silence; playing recorded music for O Canada, Last Post, Rouse, and God Save the Queen; readings of the Act of Remembrance and the Commitment to Remember. Rev. Darlene Cunliffe led a prayer and gave the blessing. Tom Bryce, Sergeant at Arms, read the list of wreaths and the Veterans Service Officer Dave Eagles read a poem entitled ‘Just a Common Soldier.’ (See below.)
List of Wreaths
- Silver Cross Mother
- Canada
- Province of Ontario
- County of Renfrew
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Township of Madawaska Valley
- South Africa
- WW I
- WW II
- Korean War
- Afghanistan
- RCL Branch 406
- RCL Branch 406 Ladies Auxiliary
- Youth of Canada
- RCMP
- In Memory of Peter Hudder
- Doug and Holly Skuce In Memory of Grandfather Tom Skuce
- In Memory of Ted Marion and Kasper Neigel
- Paplinskie Contracting In Memory of Frank Paplinskie
- CWL
- McGrath Plumbing
- Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
- Palmer Rapids and Area Lions Club
- Valley Manor Council
- Barry’s Bay Shell
- Madawaska Doors and Trim
- In Memory of Joseph R. Schwieg
- In Memory of Raymond Bellisle
- Yantha Enterprises
- Gift It Gray
- Howe and Bradley Professional Corporation
- Charlie D’s
- Zurakowski Family Business
- Holy Martyrs Church
- CO County Market
- Baykery and Dairy Freeze
- Greg Kelly Insurance
- Barry’s Bay Metro
- Northern Credit Union
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital
- Andrea’s Pet Salon
- Bay Laundry
- Napa Auto Parts
- Valu Mart
- The Grapevine
- The Madawaska Valley Current
- United Steel Workers
- Trends Hair Salon
- St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
- Bernadette Dudack In Memory of John Norlock WWI and Sylvester and Wilfred Norlock WWII
- Pinecliffe Resort, Sunny Hill Resort and J&B Trailers
- Valley Manor
- In Memory of Joe Strack
- In Memory of Tony Chippure
- In Memory of Bill and John Stetsko
- Brad Coulas Heating and Cooling
- St. Francis de Sale Church
- Quilters Curve
Please click HERE to read Just A Common Soldier by Lawrence Vaincourt
