The Counties' own SD and G Highlanders make changes to Nov. 11 commemorations
THE COUNTY, Ontario - The coronavirus pandemic situation will result in a scaled-back version of commemorative Remembrance Day activities in the County when it comes to the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.
The military will be cutting back on the level of support to public events. Essentially, this means that there will not be any formed bodies (marching contingents or bands) of military personnel in attendance at public commemorations.
However, Highlanders' commanding officer Lt-Col. Ryan Hartman said the regiment will be represented at as many of the scaled-back community Remembrance Day events as possible.
The following services will include official representation from the regiment on Nov. 11 in the form of a commanding officer’s address, wreath laying, cenotaph sentries, and a lone piper:
- Alexandria
- Williamstown
- Lancaster
As well, there will be a piper’s lament played in front of the Cornwall Armoury at 11 a.m. and a short closed service for unit members in the late afternoon to gather those that supported the days community services, in the presence of the regimental colours, in order to pay respects to the regiment's fallen.
EOHU recommendations for Remembrance Day
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit is recommending that the public attend Remembrance Day memorial ceremonies virtually or in a manner where everyone can remain physically distanced, such as a drive-in ceremony. If you plan on attending an event in person, keep in mind that it is safer to do so outdoors than indoors.
Remembrance Day ceremonies can still take place in-person, but they are subject to the province’s rules on gathering limits. This means that for:
Unmonitored events
- 10 people can gather at an indoor event or gathering
- 25 people can gather at an outdoor event or gathering
Monitored events, such as at a legion
- 50 people can gather at an indoor event or gathering
- 100 people can gather at an outdoor event or gathering
Make sure you and anyone who lives with you maintain two metres of physical distancing from people outside your household. When indoors, always wear a face covering. When outdoors, wear one when you cannot maintain physical distancing.
Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer often.
If you are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, aged 70 or older, or you are, immunocompromised consider attending an event virtually.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (even if mild) or recently had a negative COVID-19 test, you must stay home.
When gathering at a war memorial or cenotaph, everyone in attendance must wear a mask due to the proximity of one person to another. It is also recommended that only one person in the gathering bring a wreath, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination if several individuals were to each bring a wreath and make an arrangement at the base of the cenotaph.
Musicians who play an instrument such as a bagpipe or a bugle at a ceremony must stay at least 7m away from other people attending the ceremony. Musicians should be facing away from the crowd and check the direction of the wind to ensure that respiratory droplets exhaled while playing their instruments don’t make their way towards the people in attendance.