ST. PAUL - Legions across the country have officially kicked off this year's poppy campaign, with an added twist.
On Friday morning, members of the St. Paul Legion were on hand to do the official flag raising in front of the Legion Hall, a yearly tradition that marks the start of the popular poppy campaign. The Royal Canadian Legion has created yard signs this year, and the local Legion is hoping to see a number of the signs displayed in yards over the next week, leading up to Nov. 11.
The lawn signs cost $15, and can be stored and reused in following years.
To purchase a sign, contact the St. Paul Legion at 780-645-1828 or Harold Lefebvre at 780-645-3937.
The Legion is also putting a call out to all veterans in the region who would like to take part in this year's Remembrance Day ceremony. Those involved will be forming up at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Paul Legion hall, and will make their way toward the cenotaph located at the Rec. Centre. All events will take place outdoors.
Donation boxes were also being delivered on Oct. 29 throughout the community, allowing people to purchase a poppy and contribute to the yearly cause.
Close to 20 million poppies are expected to be distributed this year across the country.
“We are always thankful to see how Canadians step up to support our Veterans during this period,” says Bruce Julian, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. “We’re in the second year of a pandemic yet we know we can count on generous donors and volunteers to support the campaign strongly, once again.”
In commemoration of the Poppy’s 100th anniversary in 2021, a special lapel pin that replicates the original 1921 cloth pin is available through the Poppy Store at www.poppystore.ca.
