A longstanding tradition that completes the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa is the standard march past, paying homage to Canada’s Veterans. With the cancellation of the 2020 march due to the pandemic, the traditional tribute will be made instead with a special edition of the symbolic fly-past.
The Royal Canadian Legion is proud to present this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Deborah Sullivan of Summerville, New Brunswick. She will represent Silver Cross Mothers across Canada until the end of October, 2021.
A pilot project to introduce new touchless donation boxes, and the lighting of iconic landmarks in Canada are innovations marking the launch of The Royal Canadian Legion National Poppy Campaign this year. Millions of poppies will be distributed in familiar and new locations across Canada.
This year, the Royal Canadian Legion has partnered with HSBC Bank Canada to make it safe, secure, and easier than ever to donate and wear a poppy with touchless HSBC “Pay Tribute” tap-enabled donation boxes.
Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President, Thomas D. Irvine, CD, presented the symbolic First Poppy to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. As a result of these unprecedented times, the First Poppy was presented virtually.
This year, The Royal Canadian Legion is giving the public the opportunity to purchase a wreath for the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial. Proceeds go towards the Poppy Fund in support of Veterans and their families.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s 2020 National Poppy Campaign will begin on October 30th this year, following the tradition of launching it on the last Friday in October. Several changes will be implemented both in response to the global pandemic, and to continue modernizing the ways in which donors can support the campaign.
The Royal Canadian Legion's Operation VetBuild has recently expanded to include TableTop gaming. This program creates a supportive environment for Veterans, helping them transition to civilian life.
During this time of financial distress, the federal government quickly announced help for many sectors, but the Legion’s essential work was forgotten. Now after months of waiting, we need an assistance program to be expedited immediately.
The Royal Canadian Legion is still planning for a much smaller yet heartfelt ceremony, which will include a maximum of 100 participants. The Legion will offer a Facebook Live presentation of the National Remembrance Day ceremony, and additional broadcast plans are under consideration.