Halifax Remembrance Day ceremony moves from Grand Parade to Sullivan’s Pond

HALIFAX, N.S. — Remembrance Day is a state of mind, not a location, says a spokesman for the local Legion.

“What (the ceremonies do) is bring Canadians together to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those Canadians that have gone before us,” said Craig Hood, executive director of the Nunavut and Nova Scotia Command of the Royal Canadian Legion in an interview on Tuesday. 

Because of the large tent encampment with over 20 tents set up on Grand Parade right now, the large ceremony held there every year will move and join with a smaller ceremony on Sullivan’s Pond in Dartmouth.

“The move was made given the situation that many Nova Scotians find themselves in in regard to homelessness and the encampment that is currently located on the Grand Parade grounds,” explained Hood.

“We do not feel it would be appropriate to encroach on those people who find themselves in desperate times.”

The Legion, in consultation with partners, made the decision over the weekend, Hood said.

Sullivan’s Pond, which has a cenotaph, is a large venue and can handle the larger crowds.

“We feel it’s very suitable and very accommodating for the event,” Hood said. 

 A smaller Remembrance Day ceremony has been held there for many years.

“And what’s great about that is we didn’t have to reinvent or recreate a Remembrance Day service on such short notice, we could simply enhance the one that we currently have.”

He added the ceremony will be the same as it would have been in Grand Parade, which follows strict rituals and protocols.