Though we stand apart this year, we remember together: MPP Norm Miller

Norman Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, rose in the Ontario Legislature recently to remind everyone that though Remembrance Day will look different this year, it is important that we all pay our respects in our own way.

Mr. Norman Miller: Like everything else, Remembrance Day is going to look very different this year. Some of the communities in Parry Sound–Muskoka are still going to have ceremonies, but with very few people in attendance.

Earlier this year, we marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Unfortunately, we were unable to gather to show our appreciation to the soldiers who sacrificed so much for our freedom. Now, as we approach Remembrance Day, older veterans are among the people vulnerable to COVID-19, so there are few veterans out selling poppies, but the Legion and our veterans need our support more than ever. I encourage you to look for poppy boxes or see if your local Legion is selling handmade masks, like the one I just had on. Or, if you’re not going out, the Legion has an online store where they sell poppy-themed items, including masks. You can find that at www.poppystore.ca.

Early in the pandemic and even now, there are some people complaining about the sacrifices they’re being asked to make to protect the rest of the community. As we remember the sacrifices of past generations, I hope that we can all see that being asked to stay home, avoid gatherings and wear a mask is a small price to pay for the health of our friends and neighbours.

This year, show your support for our veterans and active servicemen and women by taking part in a virtual Remembrance Day ceremony. While we stand apart this year, we remember together.