By now poppies are blooming across Canada, not in the fields but on lapels everywhere. The poppy tradition started in Canada in 1921 and was adopted by the UK, other Commonwealth countries and the U.S as well.
The official remembrance period is from the last Friday of October until November 11th.
The first time I saw people placing their poppies on a monument after the Remembrance Day ceremonies, surprised me because the wind blew them on the ground and I thought was disrespectful. I later understood however, that this is a way to honour those who have served.
As I researched poppy history I learned that the fields of Flanders in Belgium originally had few poppy plants, but the bombs brought limestone soil to the surface everywhere along the front that proved to be fertile ground for their seeds to germinate. This led to huge fields filled with poppies that led to John McCrae’s world famous poem still taught in schools today … ‘In Flanders Fields’. We encourage everyone to come out for Remembrance Day ceremonies at Monument Corner at 9:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. in Lions Head, McCrae’s poem will be read by Bruce Peninsula District School students.
Poppy canvassing is a very important part of the year as funds raised are go towards veteran drop-in centres, help with their medical expenses, housing for homeless veterans and much more. A portion of the funds raised by each branch also go to the zone command where they donate to purchase equipment for entities like the Family Health Team. Please support us in any way you can, from donating to the poppy donation box, volunteering and joining the legion.
Darts returned September 8th on Mondays and Thursdays (except the first Thursday of the month) at 1:00 p.m. and everyone is invited for darts, euchre and bridge for only $3. On Saturday, November 8th we will hold “darts for meat” where you play for a chance to bring home a prize cut, cost is $4.00.
Legion Branch 202 is located at 6 Hellyer Road, Lion’s Head just north of Ferndale on Highway 6. Reach us at branch202pro@gmail.com. on Mondays and Thursdays, start time is one o’clock.
