Every year on Nov. 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.聽
This year marks 102 years since the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., and is the 101st anniversary of the Jasper branch of the Legion.
This Wednesday, Nov. 11, to adhere to new health protocols, there will be a ceremony at Jasper鈥檚 cenotaph, on Geikie Street.
Jasper鈥檚 Remembrance Day ceremonies are usually held indoors at Jasper Activity Centre, with wreaths taken to the cenotaph after the service.聽
Before the Activity Centre was built, the commemoration events took place in Jasper High School鈥檚 auditorium, or outside at the cenotaph - then located across from the Astoria Hotel on Connaught Drive - if the weather allowed.
The ceremonies themselves have always had the same elements, two minutes of silence, a recitation of In Flanders Fields, the wearing of poppies, wreath laying, and the playing the national anthem and the Last Post - previously performed by Jasper Park Band.
This year, due to the ceremony taking place outdoors, the service will be shorter than usual.
Jasper鈥檚 Remembrance Day ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph. Geikie Street will be closed to allow for social distancing and there will be limited seating available for seniors.
Due to COVID restrictions on numbers, the Legion is open after the ceremony only for invited guests, including military and first responders.聽
