Remembrance

Legion Remembrance programs commemorate the men and women who died in the military service of Canada during war and peace. Many believe that maintaining the tradition of Remembrance is a sacred trust and the Legion's most important role. Our branch commits thousands of volunteer hours each year to carry out Remembrance activities.

The Poppy has been widely recognized as a symbol of Remembrance, since it was first adopted in 1921. By wearing the poppy, we demonstrate our gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy.

Each year, for two weeks before Remembrance Day, Legions throughout Ontario carry out a Poppy Campaign. The campaign raises awareness of the Poppy as a symbol of Remembrance.

The blood red poppy of Flanders is immortalized as an emblem of sacrifice and remembrance for the honouring of the thousands who laid down their lives for those ideals which we, as Canadians, cherish.

The poppy calls upon us to remember not only those who have died, but those they left dependent, and those who still suffer from honourable wounds and disabilities. The poppy challenges us to serve in peace, as in war, to help those who need our help, and to protect those who need our protection.

The basic purpose of the poppy fund is to provide immediate assistance to ex-servicemen and women in need. This may include food shelter or medical attention for them or their families.

Funds raised during the Poppy Campaign are also used for the following:

• Educational Bursaries
• Comforts for veteran in hospital or hospitalized veterans
• Community medical appliances
• Medical research
• Medical training
• Donations for disaster relief for disasters declared by Federal and Provincial Governments • Expenses of the Branch Veteran Services Chairman
• Prizes for the annual Remembrance Day Poster and Literary (Poem and Essay) Contests.
• Legion service bureau offices

Any ex-serviceman or woman or dependent is eligible to apply for financial aid from the poppy, whether they are Legion members, or not.

After expenses, such as the cost of poppies, wreaths and other supplies are deducted; all remaining moneys are placed in trust to be used on those purposes authorized in the General By-laws of The Royal Canadian Legion. Campaign expenses are generally low, because most of the work is voluntary.

The Legion's constitution stresses that poppy funds must be held in trust. They are held in a bank account separate from that of the branch general funds and cannot be used for any purpose other than those stipulated.