On a chilly Sunday afternoon, a young girl stands in front of Askew’s Uptown.
Hung round this young Army cadet’s neck is a box containing poppies and more permanent poppy pins.
She proudly claims that the great, great grandfather she never met fought in the Second World War. She is one of many who will wear a poppy and attend cenotaph services next Wednesday.
Not only does the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign serve to remind us to remember and honour those who have fought for our freedom, funds raised are used to support needy ex-service members and their dependants.
“The poppy is a symbol of tribute to the more than 117,000 Canadians whom have died in the service of the country, either in the military, the merchant navy or other wartime agencies with supported the war effort,” reads a legion press release. “More than 18 million poppies and 70,000 wreaths, crosses and sprays are distributed across Canada and overseas annually.”
Branch #62 member Harry Welton says the local legion’s poppy campaign and observance of Veteran’s Week kicked off with the presentation of a poppy to Mayor Nancy Cooper and will conclude with the annual Remembrance Day Service.
Poppies are available at local businesses and will be until Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, when a service takes place at the cenotaph, followed by a Celebration of Remembrance at the legion.
“The Poppy Campaign is one of the Royal Canadian Legion’s most important programs and is the only national appeal the legion makes for funds,” says Welton, noting all of the funds collected are returned to the community – local charities, youth organizations and numerous other worthwhile causes as well as needy veterans. “Numbers are easy to give, but remember, well over 100,000 young Canadians gave their lives so you can enjoy the freedom you have today.”
Welton says his remembrance came from an uncle who was wounded in combat action during the Second World War and spent most of his life in a wheelchair.
