Tens of millions of Canadians wear a poppy every year as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s veterans. In Chemainus, members of Legion Branch 191 launched their poppy campaign on Nov. 1 this year when legion President David Nielsen pinned the first poppy on veteran Frans Vandenbrink.
At age 89, Vanderbrink is an honoured veteran with the Chemainus Legion where he has been a member for almost 50 years. Vandenbrink served as the legion's president and held other executive positions over his 48 years with the organization.
Pinning the first poppy marks the official start of the annual poppy campaign to raise awareness and funds for veterans and their families. The first poppy is pinned on a notable figure such as a veteran, dignitary or community leader to mark the importance of remembrance and to encourage others to participate.
Those wishing to wear a poppy will find legion volunteers handing them out and accepting donations at Country Grocer and the Chemainus Public Market on Nov. 1, 2, 8 and 9.
This year's campaign runs from Friday, Nov. 1 to Monday, Nov. 11 and the legion has services and gatherings scheduled leading up to and including Remembrance Day.
All veterans are invited to attend a Veteran's Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 2 and can contact the legion at 250-246-4532 to reserve a spot.
There will be a church parade starting at St. Michael's and All Angels Anglican Church on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m., followed by a service at the Chemainus cemetery at 1 p.m.
Veterans crosses are marked and may be viewed at the Chemainus cemetery through to Nov. 22.
Everyone is welcome to join legion and community members at the Chemainus cenotaph on Remembrance Day, Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
Poppies are distributed freely to anyone who wishes to wear one and the legion gratefully accepts donations to their poppy fund, which supports veterans and their families all year round.
