As Remembrance Day approaches, this is the time of year when we pay respects to those who paid the price to keep Canada peaceful and free.
Wearing a poppy and pausing for a moment of silence may seem like small gestures compared to stepping up to defend Canada and Canadian values, but they are meaningful traditions that must be observed every year.
Purchasing a poppy and pinning it to your lapel is not only symbolic, it also makes a big difference to veterans in our community. That’s because when you donate to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign, you are helping to deliver needed financial assistance to local vets and their families. The money raised in Abbotsford stays in Abbotsford.
Poppy funds provide support in a variety of ways, some of which include grants to cover the cost of food, medicine and medical equipment, clothing, heating, essential home repair and emergency shelter or assistance; housing accommodation and care facilities; transitional training and education programs; comforts for veterans and their surviving spouses who are hospitalized and in need; and accessibility modifications for veterans with disabilities.
Chances are you may know a veteran right here in Abbotsford who could use some assistance. By purchasing a poppy, you are not only signalling your support, you are also giving them tangible support.
Although we will always be in debt to our service members, the Poppy Campaign gives us the opportunity to return the favour by ensuring that they have the resources they need to live in comfort and enjoy the peace that they have safeguarded for the rest of us.
Of course, another way we can show our support is by attending Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the community, such as the Royal Canadian Legion Abbotsford Branch 15’s Remembrance Day parade and ceremony livestream. Their broadcast will begin on Monday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. with a fly past happening at 11 a.m. The livestream can be viewed here or you can attend a viewing event at Rotary Stadium (32470 Haida Dr.).
To our veterans: we will never forget the sacrifices you made to fight for and preserve our way of life. We can only aspire to live up to your shining example of bravery, honour and service.
Thank you.
Abbotsford City Council