To commemorate 100 years of the poppy in Canada and to kick off the poppy campaign in Jasper, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #31 President Greg Van Tighem and Sergeant at Arms D.J. Klymchuk presented the first poppy to his Worship Richard Ireland during a ceremony at the Cenotaph at the Millennium Memorial Park on Friday, Oct. 29.
In July of 1921 the Great War Veterans Association (which in 1925 would unify with other veteran groups to form the Canadian Legion) adopted the poppy as the flow of remembrance. One hundred years ago, the Royal Canadian Legion officially recognized the poppy as Canada鈥檚 lasting symbol of remembrance.
Since that time, the poppy has become a powerful symbol in Canada. When people donate to the National Poppy Campaign each November, and proudly display the poppy on their lapel, they are honoring those who have served and displaying heartfelt thanks for our veterans and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Donations collected across the country each November during the Legion鈥檚 National Poppy Campaign 鈥� Oct. 29 to Nov. 11 鈥� go to dedicated Poppy Trust Funds and are used solely to support veterans in need and their families.
Submitted by the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion
