Mishall RehmanA time-honoured tradition in many parts of the world that honours fallen soldiers and Veterans who have served, officially launched on Oct. 28.
To kick off this year’s campaign, the first poppy of the 2022 National Poppy Campaign was presented to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, by the Royal Canadian Legion on Oct. 25.
“Her Excellency’s acceptance of the first symbolic red Poppy this year is a significant act of Remembrance, and one that will be repeated by countless Canadians in the days to come. We are honoured by our Governor General’s support of the National Poppy Campaign,” said Bruce Julian, the Legion’s Dominion President, in a ceremony that took place at Rideau Hall.
The ceremony included Veterans and cadets.
Pinning Poppies on Heroes
According to a press release from the Royal Canadian Legion, the Governor General, who is vicegeral patron of the Legion, pinned poppies on a number of Veterans and guests.
“I’m honoured to receive the First Poppy. Conflicts still rage and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces bravely, courageously, face the very worst so that the rest of us do not. Today and every day, I will continue to remember, honour and support our veterans and I will encourage all Canadians to do the same,” said Simon.
The Legion’s President and Legion Grand President Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Larry Murray together also pinned poppies on guests.
Not in Vain
“Veterans and our fallen heroes alike will take comfort in our efforts, and those of all Canadians, to remember, and not to fear that their sacrifices will have been in vain,” said Murray.
The First Poppy presentation also included the initiation of displaying the Digital Poppy at Rideau Hall. In addition, according to the press release, the Governor General dedicated hers in memory of Fallen Veterans.
The 2022 National Poppy Campaign
The National Poppy Campaign launches annually on the last Friday of October and runs until Nov. 11, Remembrance Day. In much of the Commonwealth, including Canada, the Poppy is a sign of Remembrance for fallen military personnel. In Canada, it also symbolizes fallen RCMP Veterans.
Funds donated during the campaign are distributed locally to support Veterans and their families, communities, and to promote Remembrance.
Funds raised from the digital initiative go to the Legion National Foundation.
Purchasing a Poppy
This year traditional Poppy boxes will be available at over 27,000 locations for donations and lapel poppy distribution.
For a third year, 1000 “Pay Tribute” Tap and Give electronic boxes will be found at many Legion Branches and select retail locations.
At the boxes, people can give $2, $5, and $10. Donors can then receive a lapel Poppy from the electronic box. People can also choose to give online here. (Legion.ca)
The 2022 Digital Poppy will again be available through the My Poppy webpage. (www.mypoppy.ca) In addition, people can dedicate a Digital Poppy and share it on their social media channels.
