Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / Krista Smith from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 on Vedder presented Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove with the first poppy flower this past Wednesday to usher in the National Poppy Campaign leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11.
By Mike Vanden Bosch
Poppy campaign

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 presents first poppy flower to Mayor Ken Popove ahead of Remembrance Day

Oct 28, 2022 | 9:57 AM

CHILLIWACK — The enduring power and symbolism of the red poppy serves as a visible reminder that Canada will always strive to remember its fallen military and RCMP veterans and their precious sacrifices.

Krista Smith from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 presented the first poppy flower this past week to Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove, to usher in the period leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11.

“It means a lot,” Mayor Popove said. “The symbol of the poppy means a lot with the recognition of our fallen heroes that gave their lives for our freedom, which is very, very important to me,” Mayor Popove said. “Although I don’t have any family that fought in any war, certainly the symbol of the poppy to me is something that’s very important. Everybody should recognize the fact these folks gave their lives for our freedom.”

Krista Smith said Legion protocols dictate that the first poppy be given to a mayor before poppies can be sold and distributed locally.

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“We’ve got the Cadets that will be helping out at various locations, like Save-on Foods,” Smith said. “We’ll be trying to get into the new Canadian Tire.”

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Approximately four veteran-themed banners will be strategically placed throughout Chilliwack, including in District 1881, the Sardis cenotaph along Vedder Road, outside Anavets 305, and on the Legion building itself ahead of Remembrance Day.

“We took the lead on us and had a lot of help on it,” Smith said. “These banners are coming soon. We’re really looking forward to those, which will highlight and commemorate Chilliwack veterans. We’re hoping to do more veterans banners next year.”

Supporting veterans through the poppy campaign is near and dear to Smith, who relishes her role as president of the Legion Branch in Chilliwack.

“I love what they support,” Smith said. “We really do a lot of work there. I love that they support people that need help. As we know, it’s all about November 11. We all kind of know what that’s about. Veterans who are young and old go into action when we need it. I think this is really relevant right now. I’m thinking of Ukraine and the situation they’re in. These folks that join the military go out and they’re mainly peacekeepers. Ukraine just brings it a lot closer to mind.”

Chilliwack residents who would like to obtain poppies for their business, church, service group, or otherwise can certainly call the Legion Branch at 604-858-3600, or stop by 5661 Vedder Road. Their email is rclbr295@shaw.ca.

Founded in 1925, the non-profit Legion represents Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization. The Legion has 250,000 members across Canada, many of whom contribute an extraordinary amount of time to their local branches.

Funds donated locally in Chilliwack during the National Poppy Campaign are distributed locally to help support veterans and their families, communities, and to commemorate Remembrance Day.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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