Poppy season kicks off in Sault Ste. Marie
The season of remembrance has officially begun, as the Poppy Flag is now flying at full-mast in the Sault.
It was raised by members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 on Friday.
Poppy campaign chair with the Branch, Pierre Breckenridge, said flag signifies the message, ‘Lest We Forget.’
“Visual representation that we have not forgotten that promise,” Breckenridge said.
“We made a covenant with members who have served, the armed forces member, police services, RCMP, anybody who has served we promise not to forget their service and unfortunately some of them, their sacrifice.”
Lt. Col. Bob Lambert is an active duty military member, with the 49th Field Regiment. He appreciates the dedication of legion members to continually raise the Poppy Flag.
“It’s touching what they do each year, and they do it each year rain or shine when they raise the poppy and remember our soldiers,” Lambert said.
Poppies are now available at many local businesses.
The campaign is the main fundraiser for each Legion branch.
Breckenridge said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sault Legion was able to raise near normal amounts on its poppy donations.
“Approximately $93,000 when the campaign was all said and done, and the year before a very similar amount. We really appreciate the community’s generosity.”
The Royal Canadian Legion and its branches across country are doing a few things differently this year.
By visiting poppystories.ca, people can use their smartphone cameras to scan their poppies. That will then bring them to a short story about a Canadian veteran.
Additionally, they are phasing in biodegradable wreaths and poppies for the first time, said Nujma Bond, national spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Legion.
“We distribute close to 20 million poppies every year and we have really been looking at this and thinking about ways to reduce ways to reduce our environmental footprint,” Bond said.
“And although poppies can be recycled, recyclable poppies and biodegradable poppies are two different things.”
For the first time since the pandemic took hold, Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place indoors, as well as outside.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former soldier 'Canadian Dave' taken by the Taliban: sources
David Lavery, a former Canadian Forces soldier who helped approximately 100 people flee Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul, has been 'picked up' by the Taliban this week, according to multiple sources who spoke to CTV National News on the condition of anonymity.
Canada Revenue Agency eliminating nearly 600 term positions by end of 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency will be eliminating approximately 600 temporary and contract employees across the country by mid-December.
Montreal road rage caught on video: Suspect charged with assault causing bodily harm
A 47-year-old Terrebonne man has been charged following a case of road rage in broad daylight last summer on the Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge.
Alta. Premier Danielle Smith will be in Washington for Trump inauguration
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will be heading to Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
WestJet passengers can submit claims now in $12.5M class-action case over baggage fees
Some travellers who checked baggage on certain WestJet flights between 2014 and 2019 may now claim their share of a class-action settlement approved by the British Columbia Supreme Court last month and valued at $12.5 million.
Trump names Karoline Leavitt as youngest ever White House press secretary
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, to serve as his White House press secretary.
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: How to watch the fight, what time and who's the favourite?
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul had to wait an extra four months for his high-profile match with 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, but fight night has arrived.
Iranian official met with Musk in a possible step to ease tensions with Trump
Iran successfully sought a meeting with Elon Musk, according to a U.S. official, one in a series of steps that appeared aimed at easing tensions with President-elect Donald Trump.