Mayor Clive Tolley was presented with the ceremonial first poppy of the year on Friday.
The presentation took place at 11 a.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59, with the poppy pinned by Sue Knox, poppy chair.
“It’s a privilege, and it’s an honour to be asked by the Legion to receive the first poppy again this year,” said Tolley.
“I think I’ve done it all three years that I’ve been mayor, and each year it has significance for me. My father was a Second World War veteran and a 50-year member of the Legion. When I get around the Legion, and I get around the veterans and the poppy campaign starts, I think of him, and I get a little emotional.”
Tolley gave a $70 donation to the campaign for his poppy.
The Legion’s Poppy Day also happened on Saturday, Oct. 26, with teams around the city handing out poppies for a donation.
Poppies have now been distributed to local businesses and will be available via donation until Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. Poppies will also be available at the Moose Jaw Warriors’ game against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Friday, Nov. 8.
There is no minimum donation required, and funds raised through the annual campaign are used to help local and area veterans, and also offer some support to veterans abroad.
Those interested in a black centre pin for their poppy can purchase one from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 for $1 each or a 10 pack for $8. They have 500 available this year.
This year’s Remembrance Day Service will be led by Padre Doug Shepherd at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Nov. 11. Attendees are asked to be seated by 10:30 a.m., and a two-minute silence is to be observed at 11 a.m.
If you have time to help install the floor over the ice surface before the service and remove it after, the Legion is looking for help on Sunday, Nov. 10 starting at 10 p.m., and again at 11:30 a.m. after the ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11. Call Chris Simpson at 306-681-3835 to volunteer.
