The Royal Canadian Legion is discontinuing its annual Pictou County Memorial service.
Assistant Zone 6 Commander Verdon Locke said zone members agreed at its September meeting to disband the service for a number of reasons.
He also noted how veterans residing at the Northumberland Veterans Unit in Pictou are no longer able to attend the county service.
“Veterans can’t come out anymore,” he said. “There are so many Remembrance Day services in the county now.”
The service normally convened in Pictou, on the Sunday preceding Remembrance Day. The 83rd county service took place last year on Sunday, November 4, while Remembrance Day services were on Sunday, November 11.
The service, in times past, was an opportunity for veterans to gather at one event. However, Legion branches and other groups throughout the county have morning and afternoon services. All branches will continue to host their regular services on November 11 at their local cenotaphs.
Locke also said fewer veterans joining Legion branches and Zone 6’s emphasis on ensuring successful D-Day celebrations factored into the zone’s decision.
“A lot of Legion members are not veterans,” he said. “The military is a lot smaller, and a lot of military members are getting out and not joining the Legion.”
He said the zone is looking after the D-Day service.