10 November 2004

Large Screen to Provide Better Viewing for Ceremony Attendees

OTTAWA – People attending the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa this year will get a better view of what's happening. A giant TV screen will be erected at the site to help people see the event at the memorial - thanks to a collaboration between the National Capital Commission and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Growing crowds at the site of the ceremony, conducted by The Royal Canadian Legion on behalf of the Government of Canada, have had problems seeing the actual ceremony in recent years due to the growth in the number of people attending.

"It was a shame that people came to the ceremony and could not see what was happening" says David Knapp, CBC’s Manager of Special Events who helped broker the deal. "They could see it clearly at home on TV from our broadcast, but if they came to the ceremony with their children it was very difficult to see and grasp the significance of what was occurring," he adds.

The government departments, in particular Veterans Affairs Canada, and agencies such as the National Capital Commission involved in the conduct of the ceremony agreed and have taken on the responsibility of making sure the attendees can see what is happening.

"The large screen is a bonus for those who take the time to come and remember," says Legion Dominion President Mary Ann Burdett who will lay a wreath at this year's ceremony on behalf of Canada's largest veterans organization. "It is something we have considered for a long time, but just didn't have the funds to initiate," she adds. "I am very pleased that these stakeholders have stepped in and provided what has become a major  requirement."

"It is an enhancement that has been sorely need for some time," says Ms. Burdett from her home in Terrace, B.C. "I am just so pleased that we can finally get the image to more people at the site than ever before. I can't thank the agencies and government departments involved enough," she notes. "They are going to make this year's ceremony extra special for all those who make the trek to downtown Ottawa. What a great gift to them for their commitment to our veterans," she added.

The screen will be placed at the site to give the most people possible the best view of the ceremony according to The Royal Canadian Legion.

For further information please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, The Royal Canadian Legion, at (613) 591-3335 ext. 241 or by cell at (613) 292-8760.

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