For 85 years the poppy has been a symbol of remembrance and support for Canadian veterans.
The tradition continues this year as the Royal Canadian Legion kicks off its annual poppy campaign Friday.
“It represents the sacrifice of men and women of Canada during the First (World War), Second (World War), Korean (war) and peacekeeping operations and also currently in Afghanistan,” said Fort William Branch 6 president George Kearney.
From Oct. 28 until Nov. 11, Legion members and volunteers will be handing out poppies; donations are encouraged, but not mandatory. The local legions usually raise between $17,000 and $19,000 before expenses each year from the campaign.
All money raised is used for veteran support services.
Port Arthur Branch 5 past-president Roy Lamore said the poppy campaign is especially important in schools and to teach the younger generations about the reality of war.
“Starting in 1939, there was conscription; if you were healthy and you were 18 years old, you were signed up and now you’re going into a new era,” he said.
“These certain video games are drawing kids into something in war-like way and that to me is wrong. I don’t really like that.”
“War is not a fun game,” Lamore added. “It’s not a thing you go out and play. It’s real stuff.”
