Remembrance day looked different this year compared to years past. The Lacombe ceremony was held outdoors in Lest We Forget Park outside the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).
It was announced on Nov. 10 through the Lacombe Legion’s Facebook page that the service would be closed to the public due to the city’s recent rise in active COVID-19 cases.
However, early Wednesday morning, the decision was reversed and the public was welcome to observe as long as they stayed within their cohorts and kept socially distanced.
There were around 40 people who attended the ceremony despite the frigid temperatures. Many wore masks and remained spaced apart from people who weren’t included in their cohort.
Many older veterans also watched from inside their vehicles as to not expose themselves to too many people.
The service lasted about 20 minutes and included the Lacombe Legion President Kathy Hobbs and Lacombe Legion Chaplain Reverend Doug Herbert as speakers. In addition to thanking the veterans in attendance, Hobbs also thanked all the front line workers who have worked to keep the community safe during the pandemic.
Will St. Peter played the bagpipes for the procession of the colour party and many community members laid wreaths in honour of lost loved ones.
The service concluded with attendees laying their poppies on the cenotaph. This was the first year there was no gathering after the service.
