The Estevan Legion presented the first poppy of the year to a local veteran to kick off this year's fundraising efforts.
Craig Bird and Legion president Frosty Forrest presented the first poppy for Estevan's poppy campaign to World War II veteran Jim Spenst at the Estevan Nursing Home.
"It's an honour. Such an honour. You know, Jim's a Second World War veteran. My dad was a Second World War veteran. I got a great appreciation for everything our veterans have given us over the years. You know, we're here and we're living the way we do because of gentlemen like, like Jim Spenst," Forrest expressed.
"Comrade Jim, he's been a longtime member and supporter of the Estevan Legion. He's done a lot of work over the years with the Estevan Legion. He's been a member for over 60 years and I think it's only right that being a Second World War veteran that we honour him by giving him the first poppy in Estevan," shared Bird.
Jim Spenst was 17 years old when he enlisted in the military at the North Battleford Light Infantry Reserve. Once he became active in 1943, he was sent to northern England during the invasion. Spenst was one of the 1.16 million Canadians who helped Allied forces liberate Europe in World War II. He has been given the distinction of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in France, the highest honour for both civilian and military, in 2023. To celebrate 80 years of D-Day, he was one of 14 veterans who could travel to France earlier this year.
Forrest reiterated the importance of remembering the sacrifice of soldiers during World War II. "You know, my father was fortunate--he came home. Jim came home. There's a whole file of them that didn't come home. It's important that we honour them. And, one way we do that is buying a poppy, put it on, you know, and attend Remembrance Day [events], and honour these folks."
Money raised during the Poppy Campaign will be going to programs that benefit veterans throughout the country. Programs like Leave the Streets Behind aim to help homeless veterans find a home and support them to meet their needs. Paws for Vets provides service animals to veterans who have suffered injuries as a result of their time in the military.
"It's very important that that fund is always there for our veterans."
"We're losing our World War 2 veterans," Bird added. "They're getting up there in age, so we need to remember them."
You can find poppy donation boxes throughout various businesses in Estevan or by visiting the Legion Hall on 4th Street. There will also be a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11 at 10:45 am at the Estevan Comprehensive School gymnasium.