2023 Poppy Campaign begins

Lest we forget and poppy image with group of veterans receiving a poppy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2023

Pelham, ON – Pelham residents are encouraged to wear their Poppy as part of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613 annual Poppy Campaign. Deputy Mayor of Pelham, John Wink, received the first Poppy on Friday, October 27, as part of the pinning ceremony that marks the beginning of the annual Remembrance Day activities.

From now until November 11, donations collected through the Poppy collection boxes will support Canadian Veterans and their families. The collection boxes can be found at the Meridian Community Centre and at participating local area businesses. This year's November 11 service, presented by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613, will be provided at Veterans Park on the Legion grounds and begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. Residents are invited to participate in the service. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is scheduled to continue the annual Remembrance Day tradition of providing a memorial fly-over of area Cenotaphs with their vintage military aircraft.

"It is remarkable to see the dedication and service that the Legion provides for veterans and the community each year," said Pelham Deputy Mayor John Wink. "The Town of Pelham is proud to support the annual Poppy Campaign and to continue to provide support for the annual fly-over from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum during the Remembrance Day service."

The Town of Pelham, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 613 Legion, has continued expanding the Veterans Banner program. The street banners on display throughout the areas surrounding Town Hall and the Meridian Community Centre were installed mid-October and will remain until following Remembrance Day. The program recognizes local veterans and their service, with five new veterans being recognized this year. Applications for the program are ongoing and are available at Pelham Town Hall or Branch 613 Legion Hall.

On November 11, all flags at municipal facilities will be lowered to half-mast. Town Hall and the Pelham Fire administrative services will be closed in observance of Remembrance Day on Monday, November 13, 2023.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca