ST. PAUL – Fresh snow blanketed the ground as a small crowd gathered before a trio of flagpoles at the St. Paul Legion Hall.
Members of the St. Paul Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), their medals gleaming in the dim sunlight, and a group of elementary school students from St. Paul Elementary, their faces rosy as they looked up at the flagpoles, all raised their voices in unison.
Like a choir, they sang the national anthem, and as the last notes faded, they looked at the trio of flags caught in the gentle morning breeze.
Guy Pomerleau, chairperson of the St. Paul RCL's Poppy Campaign, said that Oct. 27 marked the beginning of the Legion’s annual poppy campaign across the nation. It’s a time when RCL branches in communities across Canada conduct the Poppy Campaign to raise funds to support veterans and their families.
Following the flag ceremony, St. Paul RCL will begin visiting businesses in the Town delivering poppies and wreaths, leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, said Pomerleau.
Duane Fleming, a member of the St. Paul RCL, added the money raised may not directly go to veterans, but could be donated to facilities that cater to seniors, such as specialized beds for the elderly at the local hospital.
“Veterans are getting to the age now where they’re needing that extra care,” said Fleming. “But the money stays in the community and is utilized locally.”
Speaking of the importance of supporting veterans and their families, Fleming and Pomerleau said veterans lived a life of danger when serving in the military, in addition to the constant physical and mental stress that came with serving the country.
Supporting veterans, Fleming added, ensures, “We’re honouring and respecting them... helping to make sure their lives are comfortable.”
Town of St. Paul Coun. Brad Eamon was also present during the ceremony. He echoed Fleming’s thoughts, adding that honouring veterans is important to remember their sacrifices.
And seeing the young elementary students “is great to see,” said Eamon. To have them learn the history of Canada and the sacrifices made in the past will help them become proud Canadians.
Throughout the week, students from St. Paul Elementary toured the St. Paul RCL to learn about veterans and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the past. They also had the opportunity to see first-hand the Legions’ artifacts.
Duane said this is the first time the St. Paul RCL invited elementary students for a tour, and they hope to expand the idea in the future, by including students from other schools as well.
