One day ahead of the official launch of the Royal Canadian Legion's 2023 Poppy Campaign, London's mayor has received the city's first poppy.
In a small ceremony at city hall on Thursday, Vimy Legion Poppy Chairperson Richard Waring pinned the ceremonial first poppy to Mayor Josh Morgan's lapel.
Morgan said having the opportunity to take part in the annual tradition meant a great deal to him personally.
"I have the great honour and privilege to serve as mayor of a community which means I get to participate in democracy. I get to walk into council chambers, I get to vote. That would not be possible without the many sacrifices that were made by so many to defend that freedom and protect it over the years," said Morgan. "We thank all of those who continue to serve, as well as all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our democracy."
After receiving the first poppy, Morgan presented poppies to the local commanders of the Canadian Armed Forces, Navy, RCMP, and to London police Chief Thai Truong.
"This is a very visual demonstration of support and respect for those who serve and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of the country that we all enjoy... I encourage every Londoners to go out and get a poppy and wear a poppy to pay tribute," said Morgan.
The poppy is a long-standing visual pledge made by Canadians who wear it to never forget those who served and sacrificed. Funds raised locally through the annual poppy campaign go to support local veterans in need. The campaign runs until Remembrance Day on November 11.
Londoners can expect poppy boxes to be placed inside retail stores, restaurants, and community centres throughout the city.
"What we are looking for is for the poppies to be worn," said Randy Warden, chairperson of London's Remembrance Day Committee. "The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and we are looking for the poppies to be worn to show you do recognize that Canada has lost 118,000 members since Confederation in the line of battle. It is a significant number. Lest we forget."
Warden added that preparations for the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park are in their final stages. The annual ceremony begins with a Veterans' parade from the Delta Armouries to the Cenotaph. It is followed by the singing of O Canada, a performance of Last Post, and the laying of the wreaths.
"There is one change that is happening this year," said Warden. "We will march down Waterloo Street, instead of Wellington Street and when we get up to Dufferin we will turn left and go down Dufferin until we get to the Cenotaph."
The reason for the change is due to on-going road work that is taking place on Wellington Street.
"Following the ceremony there is going to be a meet and greet at Centennial Hall. We invite people to come and meet with veterans who are on hand," said Warden.
The Legion is also accepting donations to the Poppy Campaign online at www.legion.ca.
