FOG BLOG CANADA NEWS LOG: PROTESTERS SHAMEFULLY DISRUPT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES:

Legion says politically motivated protests on Remembrance Day distracted from veterans' sacrifices...COVID-19 vaccine protests seen at Kelowna and Kamloops on Thursday; Cranbrook cenotaph also vandalized....The British Columbia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion says it's "unfortunate" that people with political agendas chose Remembrance Day to disrupt those who wanted to honour the sacrifice of military veterans.

The legion's B.C./Yukon Command issued a statement Friday criticizing protests on Remembrance Day in Kelowna and Kamloops, as well as "the defacing and vandalism" of a memorial in Cranbrook.."We are saddened that anyone would feel it necessary to distract from the sacrifice of our veterans and their families with political agendas. Especially on Remembrance Day," said Val McGregor, president of the B.C./Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

"We are the keepers of remembrance in Canada," said McGregor. "As long as we exist, we will uphold the tradition of remembrance to ensure Canada's fallen will not be forgotten."....The legion statement says COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have meant changes to how veterans are honoured, including smaller or virtual ceremonies and even cancelled events.

"It is unfortunate that some took this as an opportunity to distract others from grief, remembrance and their intention to honour our veterans," says the statement.

It says the protests in Kelowna and Kamloops — and the vandalism in Cranbrook — are "unacceptable."

RCMP in Kelowna said they are investigating a report of 75 to 100 demonstrators at the city's cenotaph who arrived just before 11 a.m. on Remembrance Day.