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Flag raised, plans in place for Remembrance Day ceremonies

Oct 30, 2017 | 2:00 PM

While many are still making preparations for trick or treaters, there are those who are looking beyond Halloween and making preparations of their own for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony being held in Battleford on Nov. 11.

On Monday morning, Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie, town councillor Judy Pruden and other town staff joined Tim Popp of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #9 to raise a commemorative poppy flag to mark the occasion.

“I’m honoured to be raising this flag here today,” Leslie said. “This is just a small token of our appreciation for what the brave men and women have done for us in the past and continue to do as well.”

Statistics from Veterans Affairs Canada indicate that in the First World War from 1914 to 1918, 650,000 Canadians enlisted and more than 68,000 died. During the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, more than one million Canadians served King and country and nearly 47,000 perished.

From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War raged on in Asia with more than 26,700 Canadian troops joining the side of the United Nations. Over 500 Canadian soldiers died during the Korean War.

“We have a lot of veterans here in Battleford both young and old and we hope that we see another huge turnout this Remembrance Day,” Leslie said.

 

 

Tim Popp of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 9 said the annual poppy campaign started on Friday with poppy boxes being distributed to various businesses throughout the town.

“Our community has been very supportive of the poppy campaign,” Popp said. “We are hoping to see poppies on as many peoples’ coats as possible this year.”

Popp added it’s moving to see attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies increase in recent years.

“It’s been heartwarming to see the crowds picking up all over Canada,” Popp said. “So many people coming out to show their support is really encouraging to those of us who served.”

This year’s ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The parade with form at the legion and then march to St. Vital SChool for a wreath laying ceremony at 11 a.m. 

A lunch will be served at the legion followed by a presentation by Tim Popp on his travels to Vimy Ridge in April to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic First World War battle.

 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

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