Poppy campaign leading up to Remembrance Day: ‘Very proud to have served’
Posted November 1, 2024 5:41 pm.
Last Updated November 1, 2024 5:52 pm.
As Remembrance Day approaches, you might have already seen the symbolic red flower pinned on people’s jackets.
The annual Poppy Campaign is in full swing across Canada, honouring our nations Veterans.
“We want to remember the sacrifices that have been made by the veterans,” said Henry Hall, retired Lt.-Col from the Canadian Armed Forces. “It would be wonderful if we could see as many people out wearing their poppies.”
Both of Hall’s grandfathers served in the First World War, his father in WWII.
“I certainly feel closer to both my grandfathers because of my military service and my father,” he explained. “I’m obviously very proud to have served and to carry on the tradition of serving the country.”
From the last Friday in October to Nov. 11th — Remembrance Day — millions of Canadians can be seen wearing a poppy.
Worn on the left side, over the heart — a visual pledge to never forget those who served and sacrificed.
“Life can be easy, but the thing is, Remembrance Day is an opportunity of thinking back that life is not necessarily so easy,” said Georges Gohier, Comrade, from Branch 14 with the Royal Canadian Legion. “And just individual freedoms are not free.”
Inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” the Royal Canadian Legion adopted the poppy as a sacred symbol in 1921.
Funds raised for the Legion’s Poppy Campaign, support local Veterans and their dependents.
“I do this every year,” said Susan Charlap who donated to the Poppy campaign at the Metro in Westmount. “I thinks it’s really important, we should never forget.”
“This is one way to bringing attention to the younger generation,” added Karen Beaulieu. “As to why we live in a free country.”
Poppies are available at various locations, like select grocery stores, banks, pharmacies or can even be picked up at your local Legion.
“To remember those who have come before us, those who’ve made the scarifies,” said Hall. “And those who are making sacrifice today.”
