The Keremeos Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion #192 presented Mayor Manfred Bauer with the ceremonial first poppy ahead of Remembrance Day.
The ceremonial first poppy is a tradition that spans decades but this year means much more.
That’s because the Remembrance Day poppy campaign turns 100 this year.
B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin was the first to receive a ceremonial poppy.
Austin thanked the Legion for ensuring the memory of Canadian military sacrifices is honoured through initiatives such as their annual poppy campaign. She also thanks the millions of Canadians who wear a poppy each year.
Starting Friday, Nov. 5, poppy trays will be distributed to local stores in Keremeos for residents in the community to pick up ahead of Remembrance Day.
The poppy campaign was started to support programs for veterans of the First World War and their families in 1921.
READ MORE: VIDEO: First pin presented as Legion kicks off 100th poppy campaign
This year the Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 will be conducted indoors at the Legion Hall in Keremeos.
“We will try and stick as we can to the program we always had outside,” said Mike Favel, the branch’s secretary and treasurer. “We have a mobile cenotaph, a short parade from the back of the hall to the front. We’ll have the Colour Guard set the flags and we’ll have the local chaplain run the ceremony.”
Due to the ongoing pandemic and health restrictions, attendance will be limited.
People who wish to lay a wreath can do so by contacting the Legion at their hall by calling 250-499-5634.
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