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Comox Remembrance Day ceremony scaled down due to COVID

For the first time, spectators are discouraged from attending the Comox Cenotaph on Nov. 11, due to the limited space and requirement to physically distance. There will be no parade this year or formal ceremonies at the Comox Cenotaph.
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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Comox president Lynn Edey (Left) and past president Gerry Maillet (Right) presenting Mayor of Comox, Russ Arnott, with the first poppy, signalling the beginning the Branch 160 Poppy Campaign leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, 2020.

For the first time, spectators are discouraged from attending the Comox Cenotaph on Nov. 11, due to the limited space and requirement to physically distance. There will be no parade this year or formal ceremonies at the Comox Cenotaph.

A private, invitation-only ceremony will be conducted inside Comox Branch 160, 1825 Comox Ave. at 11 a.m.

The smaller number of participants will be required to remain two metres apart, and will need to wear masks unless performing certain duties related to the ceremony. The Branch 160 ceremony will follow the same format as previous Remembrance ceremonies and will be broadcast on Facebook Live.

The majority of wreaths will be prepositioned at the memorial prior to the ceremony. Those wishing to place the wreath personally may do so before or after 11 a.m. Acknowledgment of preplaced wreaths will be on the Comox Legion website.

The branch will open for regular business at 1 p.m. on Nov 11. The lounge permits a maximum of 50 people and we follow safety protocols.

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The Royal Canadian Legion’s 2020 Poppy Campaign will begin on Oct. 30 this year, following the tradition of launching it on the last Friday in October.

Several changes will be implemented both in response to the global pandemic and to continue modernizing the ways in which donors can support the campaign. Poppy donation boxes will be placed at supporting businesses in Comox. Poppy donations and Legion face masks will be available at Branch 160.