At a moment in history when very little in life is as we usually know it, even the traditions that come with commemorating special events have had to be re-thought. With large in-person gatherings simply not possible, few would have faulted Legion Branches for deciding Remembrance Day Services would need to be cancelled this year. But that was not an option for many local Branches, including the Outlook Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. President John McPhail, in speaking with this newspaper on October 25 said, 鈥淭here is no way COVID-19 will prevent Branch 262 from observing the single-most important day in our calendar year.鈥� So they got to work finding ways to make it happen, and in doing so, ended up creating an event that will be remembered for a long time to come.
It would have been understandable to think a scaled-down version of the service would be adequate during this time, but that is not the approach this Branch took. Instead, they called on the resources of their members as well as individuals and groups within the community to present a service that seemed even more meaningful and inspiring.
While many of us may be tiring of on-line substitutes for the kinds of things we used to do in person, the Legion presented a program of live presentations weaved seamlessly with pre-recorded segments that felt fresh and original, allowing for new elements to take their place amongst traditional moments. This included a classroom of OES students presenting 鈥淚n Flander鈥檚 Fields鈥�, and the Concert Choir from LCBI sharing a song of peace. With school not in session on November 11, these types of contributions were not possible in the past, but what a beautiful addition this year. The reading of a letter by an OHS student, the performances of celebrated tenor Spencer McKnight who led 鈥淥 Canada鈥� as well as a soaring rendition of 鈥淥 Danny Boy鈥�, along with other video segments were such special contributions. Those involved in preparing them are to be commended. These videos, interspersed with live presentations by Legion members, speakers and special guests created a memorable program. But the Legion recognized that none of this would be possible unless they had someone with the technical expertise and experience to bring it all together. They approached Kirk and Kristen Friggstad who lent their talents to the program, creating a beautifully produced livestream event.
From the moment the camera captured the beautifully decorated stage area until the final sign-off, the program provided a tone of solemnity as well as inspiration and was an example of what can happen when the heart of an organization calls on the talents of those within their group along with the wider community to present something truly original and meaningful.
All Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion who found ways to bring events of remembrance to their communities are to be commended. To Branch #262 in Outlook we simply say thank you. Thank you for looking past possible limitations and, instead, embracing new opportunities. Well done.
Delwyn Luedtke
The Outlook
