Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin received the first poppy to kick off the 2023 poppy campaign.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion B.C./Yukon Command presented Austin with the first poppy at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 25).
Funds raised in the annual campaign go to support Canadian veterans, their families and dependants, seniors, education and remembrance programs.
“It’s an important symbolical occasion and it’s wonderful that Canadians broadly adopt the symbol of the poppy by wearing it close to our hearts during the time frame leading up to the day,” Austin said. “So it’s both a sombre occasion and it’s also a celebratory occasion because it’s a way of valuing what we have in this country and also valuing the veterans – the many veterans that have served Canada in wars past and frankly in present wars as well.”
Dave Sinclair, honorary president of the B.C./Yukon Command, had a few words to share about the symbolism.
“Ever since Lt.-Col. John McCrae penned In Flanders Fields, the poppy was adopted as the flower of remembrance. Now more than 20 million poppies are distributed by the legion each year in communities across Canada as a visual pledge to never forget those that served and made the ultimate sacrifice so to ensure that we remain free,” Sinclair said. “The poppy is a symbol of the legion poppy campaign, raising funds to support veterans and their families in need. We invite everyone across the country to show their recognition by proudly wearing the symbol of remembrance each year in British Columbia.”
Austin added, “I will certainly do my best to encourage all British Columbians to join in sharing this symbol of remembrance throughout our province, thank you very much.”
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