One of the most respected annual Canadian traditions is underway and if you’re looking to thank a veteran, there are hundreds of opportunities.
The poppy campaign at Barrie Royal Canadian Legion Branch 147 started Oct. 25 with 150,000 poppies ordered to go along with the approximately 80,000 left over from last year.
Poppy committee member Sharon Gordon says the 230,000 poppies are sent to every school in Barrie, plus to between 150 and 200 other locations in the city.
“We usually have leftovers from the year before because anytime someone gets low, we arrange for more to be sent to them,” said the 40-year legion member. “Thankfully, we have a lot of volunteers who came in to lend a hand and it’s a busy process, but one that we all are very committed to doing.”
With only a handful of members on the actual poppy committee, Gordon praises the many who assist to do the travelling and handing out of the annual symbol of remembrance. Cadets, senior Kinsmen and the organization of the legion office staff make sure the annual campaign hits the target of helping veterans every year.
“The poppy fund is for looking after the veterans only,” said Gordon. “The legion cannot use any of the poppy funds for our electricity bill or anything like that. It is to support the veterans, the cadet groups and some organizations like Grove Park Home (long-term care facility).
"It is all about our veterans and our community.”
With so many poppies needing to be sorted, packaged, delivered and distributed, BarrieToday asked Gordon if she's ever able to take time to let it sink in on the emotional side of what the campaign represents.
“My husband was a World War 2 veteran. Unfortunately, he’s passed on now, but I think this is one of best honours we can do as Canadians,” Gordon said.
“Some people may be down at the cenotaph in the cold rain and be wondering if they really have to be out there," she added. "The answer to that is, yes, we do. The men and ladies who went oversees went through a lot more than that and this is the least we can do.”
Every year, Canada loses more veterans of previous wars and the question always arises whether or not the next generation will care to stand at attention as a Remembrance Day parade goes by.
Gordon says she's rejuvenated every Nov. 11.
“I know when I march in the parade and I see the little kiddies all lined up, some throwing up a salute and others staring in awe, that we have all the reason in the world to feel positive about it,” she said.
Gordon also had advice for those who aren’t sure what to do with their poppy at the conclusion of the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day service.
“If they’re coming into the legion, we’ll have a pillow that folks can out their poppy on,” she said. “Other people keep it year-round, which I do as well. I do that because if you ever attend the funeral of a veteran, you take your poppy and place it on the wreath that will be there.
"A poppy can be year-round, but tradition is to take it off on Nov. 11 and place it on the wreath.”
If you need a poppy and can’t find a location, you can head to the Barrie legion at 410 St. Vincent St. and pick one up there.
