OLDS — Firefighters National Memorial Day (FNMD) was a pretty low-key affair this year in the community. Flags were lowered to half-mast but that was about it, councillors were told.
That may change next year.
FNMD is an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives on the job.
This year, FNMD was held on Sept. 13.
During council’s Sept. 14 meeting, Coun. Mary Anne Overwater noted that not much was done this year.
She expressed hope that more can be done next year, on the assumption the COVID-19 pandemic might not be such a problem by then.
“I just wanted to acknowledge them,” she said.
Chief administrative officer Michael Merritt said he spoke to Olds Fire Department Chief Justin Andrew about FNMD.
He was told flags were lowered as is suggested by the province.
“Coun. Overwater’s correct, the end of COVID we did not have a celebration or a recognition in regards to that memorial,” Merritt said.
“Typically it would be just a very short attendance of people, a comment from yourself or from the fire chief at the time that we do lower the flag, typically which is usually at sunrise.
“That is something we will certainly note for 2021.”
