The City of Colwood will welcome visitors dressed for a different occasion Halloween morning.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion will be at the annual flag raising ceremony at Colwood City Hall and the public is invited to join them in marking the kickoff of the Legion’s National Poppy Campaign.
“It’s symbolic in order to recognize the sacrifices of those that served in the past and continue to serve,” said Colwood Coun. Gordie Logan. “This is a small way to say ‘thank you’ and to support the Legion’s worthwhile initiative that supports so many people in the community.”
The event at the flagpoles in front of City Hall marks the beginning of a campaign that most years sees more than half of Canadians don the red poppy over their hearts, in recognition of the sacrifice made by those that died in battle. All donations to the fundraiser go to support veterans and their families.
“The campaign just allows us the opportunity to get some perspective on how we have maintained our freedom and to remember those that fought so hard to ensure we maintained that freedom,” Logan said.
Logan, whose grandfather was a veteran of the First World War, said his thoughts go to his grandfather and his own three children when the flags go up. He hopes the public come out in support of the flag-raising ceremony, especially in light of the tragedy in Ottawa Wednesday that saw a soldier posted at the National War Memorial gunned down in the nation’s capital.
“Certainly in situations like what happened today, our hearts go out to all those that have been impacted and need the support,” he said. “I hope people take pause to remember and contribute generously in support of a worthwhile fund.”
For more information on the National Poppy Campaign, visit legion.ca.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com