Smaller services mark Remembrance Day in Petawawa, Pembroke

Remembrance Day ceremonies in Petawawa and Pembroke were scaled back significantly this year due to the ongoing pandemic. While both events still featured many traditional aspects of the annual service, the number of people allowed on site was reduced to 100 to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions. Though smaller in scale, the services in the two communities paid tribute to the sacrifice of many Canadians who have fallen in service to their country, and to those who continue to serve. At both ceremonies, most wreaths were laid prior to the proceedings, however a few were placed at the Pembroke Cenotaph by special guests like 4th Canadian Division Support Group (4 CDSG) Commander Colonel John Vass, accompanied by 4 CDSG Formation Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Jack Durnford, and at the Petawawa Cenotaph by local dignitaries including 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) Commander Colonel Eric Landry with Brigade Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Jeramie Leamon.

While both the participant and spectator numbers were reduced at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in Petawawa, the solemn occasion still honoured all the Canadian military members, both past and present, who have served and sacrificed for their country. Even without a parade, full Colour Party, choir or band, the spirit of the occasion still resonated deeply.

The 2020 Remembrance Day ceremony in Pembroke on November 11 was smaller than in previous years, with a limit of 100 people on site including the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 72 Pembroke Colour Party. Though scaled down, the service had many traditional elements including the Lament, played by piper Randy Briand, two minutes of silence, and the laying of wreaths - though most were pre-laid before the ceremony, several dignitairies including Silver Cross Mother representative Bernice Westgarth placed wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) conducted flybys for several Remembrance Day commemorations across Canada, one of them over Pembroke’s War Memorial Cenotaph Park. Four Chinook helicopters flew past during the service.