Whistlerites will be paying their respects this Remembrance Day both in person and online, with organizers launching a hybrid format for 2021.
After the Whistler Cenotaph was cordoned off last year due to COVID-19, organizer Steve LeClair said the public has the option to attend in-person this year, with physical distancing and masks in place.
“We want to give people who are not comfortable in coming out to the event the chance to be able to enjoy the ceremony from the comfort of their own home,” LeClair said. “We’re excited about this year’s event and looking forward to getting back to a more in-person ceremony.”
Marking the 103rd anniversary of the end of the First World War, this year’s ceremony is set to begin next Thursday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m., with silent sentries posted at the cenotaph before the parade sets off down the Village Stroll, which will feature members from the 39 Signal Regiment, HMCS Discovery and the RCMP in their Red Serge uniform. Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11 a.m. before the service of remembrance officially begins, followed by the presentation of wreaths, and the singing of “God Save the Queen.” The Whistler Singers and Whistler Childrens Chorus will also be singing as part of the ceremony.
LeClair said he is hopeful to have local veterans attend as well, but conceded that getting them out has grown more challenging over the years.
“Typically there has been a half dozen that have shown up. I’ve reached out to those veterans and I know that one is planning on intending. One has moved away. Another one is out with an injury but hopes to be back next year,” he said. “Although the veterans are getting fewer and farther between, that’s what the ceremony is about—it’s about them.”
Despite not having much of a military presence, Whistler has always come out in force for Remembrance Day, something Mayor Jack Crompton said speaks to the deep well of gratitude in such an international community.
“I think Whistler is a grateful community,” he said. “We’re grateful for where we live and for the freedoms we have. This is a way we can remember how and why we find ourselves here.”
Attendees are encouraged to tune in via livestream, if possible, at whistler.ca/remembranceday, and if attending in-person, to respect physical distancing and other relevant health guidelines.
In Pemberton, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 will be unveiling its newly renovated cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Organizers decided against holding a parade this year and will not be opening the lounge area after the ceremony. Members of the public wishing to attend the service should gather outside the legion at 10:45 a.m., and anyone who has ordered a wreath to be laid themselves can pick it up before then.
With a large number of people expected, attendees are asked to respect everyone’s space and encouraged to wear a mask.
