Poppy campaign starts this weekend

By Mark Ribble

NATIONAL — On July 6, 1921, Canada became the first country to utilize the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

Now, some 100 years later, the poppy looms large as a way for Canadians to say, “We will remember them.”

It was inspired by the famous poem — In Flanders Fields — written by Lt. Colonel Dr. John McCrae in 1915.

The first poppies were made of fabric, which has now evolved into a felt-covered plastic poppy with pin.

Wheatley Legion Branch 324’s poppy campaign will begin on Friday, October 29 and run through until sunset on Thursday, November 11.

Poppies will be available at businesses throughout Leamington and Wheatley through poppy boxes. On November 5 and 6, volunteers will also be at some businesses in the area to collect donations in person.

The poppy boxes will be out at local businesses starting October 29.

Poppies will be distributed to businesses on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. If your business is missed please call Bill Robertson at 519-793- 3426.

Each year across Canada, approximately $17 million is raised by the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy campaign. The money is used to fund programs and assist veterans and their dependents.

Wheatley Legion Branch 324 faces an even more challenging time than last year’s COVID-restricted Remembrance Day services, with the building still under lockdown due to the August 26 explosion.

A plan is in place to hold the Wheatley Remembrance Day services at Two Creeks Conservation Area.

Leamington’s service will be held as always at the cenotaph, while Kingsville’s service will also be held on the Legion grounds and cenotaph.

A complete schedule of Remembrance Day details will be published in next week's Sun.