Greater Sudbury residents are once again being encouraged to wear a poppy in support of the Royal Canadian Legion poppy fund and to show solidarity with Remembrance Day.
The annual Legion poppy campaign was launched in Sudbury on Friday with a flag raising event and a wreath laying ceremony at the the Fred Starr Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76.
Greater Sudbury Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Al Sizer read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Paul Lefebvre declaring that Oct. 31 to Nov. 11 are poppy days in the city and also that Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day, which will be observed with two minutes of silence taking place at 11 a.m. that day.
Sizer said the wearing of poppies is done in honour of all Canadians who gave their lives in war in defence of Canada and democracy.
Legion Poppy Campaign chair Judy Robitaille said the poppy is a widely recognized symbol in Canada.
"The poppy is to be respected as it represents a visual representation of never to forget," said Robitaille.
She said the poppy is usually worn on the left side of the body usually over one's heart, but not on a hat. She said the poppy campaign supports numerous charitable efforts that include veterans’ support programs, the various youth and cadet programs along with the Sudbury Food Bank.
The Legion’s national office has produced a brief video explaining the importance of the poppy in Canada.
Robitaille reminded area residents that Tuesday, Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day and she said she hopes people can make plans to attend the Sudbury Community Arena that day.
"We would also like to invite the citizens of Greater Sudbury to the arena Nov. 11 to come and pay their respects to those who serve now and to those who have served," she said.
Robitaille encouraged people to arrive at the arena by 10:15 a.m. on Remembrance Day in time to be seated and take advantage of watching the ceremonies.
She added there is no set price for a poppy. Poppies are free, she said. People are encouraged to make a financial donation when they take a poppy.
The poppy as a symbol of Remembrance was first inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields, penned in 1915 by Canadian soldier Lt.Col. John McCrae.
It was adopted by The Royal Canadian Legion in 1921 as a sacred symbol to commemorate the service and sacrifices of fallen veterans.
Len Gillis is a reporter with Sudbury.com.