A different Remembrance Day

With Covid restrictions still in place, this year’s Remembrance Day will look a little different. While people, schools and workplaces will still hold a minute's silence at 11am on November 11, public commemorative ceremonies have been put on hold.

Cowes

The Phillip Island RSL will hold a private ceremony, as a full service at the Cenotaph is not possible under the current restrictions.

Poppies

The Annual Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal has commenced, and poppy badges will be available outside Cowes Newsagents and Coles, plus San Remo IGA. 

San Remo

There will be a brief observance of Remembrance Day in San Remo on Wednesday, November 11.

The flag will be flying at the Cenotaph, which is opposite the IGA Supermarket. Vietnam veteran John Methven OAM, will read The Ode and Peter Buitenhuis will play The Last Post and Reveille.

Anyone wishing to lay a wreath or flowers is invited to do so then, or at any time during the day.

Those attending are asked to be mindful of COVID-19 safety. There won't be any seating, other than the benches that are there permanently.

Two minutes' silence will be observed at 11am, so please arrive by 10.50am and observe appropriate social distancing.
 

Broadcast ceremony

The Australian War Memorial will hold a nationally televised Remembrance Day commemorative ceremony on November 11. The format of the ceremony has been altered to comply with Covid-safe rules and will be attended by a limited number of invited guests; and broadcast live across Australia by the ABC.

In a post on its website, the War Memorial said the service will include the laying of wreaths and a minute’s silence on the eleventh hour.

“At this time, the Australian public will be encouraged to safely pause in their homes, schools or workplaces to observe the minute’s silence to remember not only those lost, but all who came home and also those who follow in their footsteps.”