There will be no ceremony at our Cenotaph in Lockwood Park this morning due to COVID-19. Although unfortunate, this is the right decision by the Legion as the majority of people who attend the service are over 65 years of age.

Legions have suggested that at 11:00, you stand in remembrance at the end of your driveway. The church bell from St Paul’s will be ringing for the two minutes. (I can‘t confirm whether St Ed’s bell will be participating.)

Yes, this is another change in our lives due to COVID-19. However, the most important part of Remembrance Day is to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in defence of Canada. It is also the opportunity to stand behind the men and women who continue to serve in our military.

Terry Kelly wrote these lovely lyrics for a song that the Westport Ecumenical choir has sung the past few years at Lockwood Park during the Remembrance Day ceremony.

They fought and some died for their homelandThey fought and some died, now it’s our landLook at his little child; there’s no fear in her eyesCould he not show respect for other dads who have died?

Take two minutes, would you mind?It’s a pittance of timeFor the boys and the girls who went overIn peace may they rest, may we never forgetWhy they diedIt’s a pittance of time

God forgive me for wanting to strike himGive me strength so as not to be like himMy heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lipsMy throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists

But two minutes I will bideIt’s a pittance of timeFor the boys and the girls who went overIn peace may they restMay we never forgetWhy they diedIt’s a pittance of time

Please take 2 minutes in time at 11:00 today. It’s a pittance in time.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.