Nov. 11 marks Remembrance Day across Canada, and in Nelson, the local Royal Canadian Legion has been busy planning for the first in-person parade downtown in two years.

Previously held back by the pandemic, veterans, first responders and their supporters will gather outside the Nelson Branch on Victoria Street at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 for a march down to city hall. Branch President Bill Haire says the day is an important symbol to honour the countless thousands of Canadians who died on the battlefield, or were seriously hurt—particularly, he says, as fewer and fewer former servicemen from World War II are around to tell their stories.

"Refer to it as the 'greatest generation.' Their impact on our way of life was massive. We have the freedom to be who we are, join whatever club you want, say what you want, travel where you want. The total, one-hundred percent freedom is on their backs, on their shoulders," Haire said. "They provided that for us, and we should never ever forget."

The Legion has been raising funds through its annual Poppy-campaign, racking up almost $3,000 in a single day.

Haire says Remembrance Day has also more started focusing on the efforts from first responders in society like doctors, police officers and firefighters, some whom will be present in Friday's parade.

"As we all know, front line workers are number one for us. We rely on them for our health and stability and safety. The police, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, doctors... all of it. We look to them to care for us."

"They are all in the front of our minds" - Hear Nelson Legion Branch President Bill Haire speak about Remembrance Day: