We Remember, Digitally

By Andrew Yang

With all of the guidelines and safety measures put in place because of the pandemic, celebrating Remembrance Day has been affected just like any other major holiday in 2020. 

Remembering those who fought for Canada’s freedom has been a yearly tradition for Canadians. Despite the pandemic, there are still many ways that Canadians can honour those who served, past and present.

Given the conditions created to keep Canadians safe from COVID-19, there are still a variety of challenges that may get in the way of honouring those who served. 

Ray Park, a communications advisor at the City of Toronto, said that it’s important to not forget the significance of Remembrance Day, despite the challenges and obstacles posed by the pandemic. 

“How can we sort of recreate that kind of solemn kind of commemoration, and pay tribute without losing sight of the importance of Remembrance Day?,” asked Park. “It’s really about how we can recreate that experience for the public, which has been a big challenge for us.” 

Presented below is an infographic that takes a dive into how much COVID-19 has actually impacted the way Canadians celebrate Remembrance Day. (Sydney Ingram/JRN 270)

The tap-to-pay poppy box was a newly introduced way of paying for a poppy, the universal sign of remembrance amongst many. But it might have a new purpose in 2020. 

“The poppy box is a part of our way of trying to advance into today’s technological world,” said Gerry Morgan, the District D commander at the Royal Canadian Legion. “Even though it’s just in its trial basis, it couldn’t have come out in a better time.”