On Oct. 26, 2023, Moose Jaw’s mayor Clive Tolley was presented with the first poppy handed out in the city by Branch #59 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The ceremony was held at City Hall and was delivered by Sue Knox, current poppy chairperson with Branch #59 of the Royal Canadian Legion along with branch president Bob Travale.
Knox gave the following statement prior to handing out the first poppy to Mayor Clive Tolley:
“Good morning, everyone. My name is LCdr. (Ret’d) Susan Knox, and I am the current chairperson of the Poppy Fund. This is MWO Robert Travale, president of Branch #59 in Moose Jaw.
“On behalf of Branch #59 of the Royal Canadian Legion, welcome. We are pleased to have you join us today.
“As we embark on our annual poppy campaign, we take this time to remember and to give thanks to those Canadians, both (in the) Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedoms today.
“During this period, we also honour those still serving our country in areas of conflict, those taking part in operations to maintain peace, and those serving on humanitarian missions.
“We will always remember.
“This year marks a couple of anniversaries.
“We would like to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, 150 years of the RCMP, and 100 years of the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves.
“The poppy remains a well-recognized symbol around the world. It represents the ultimate sacrifice of those who have served Canada over the years.
“It is the symbol we use to remember these brave souls. It is also the symbol of our yearly poppy campaign, which this year begins on Oct. 27. When our friends and fellow citizens wear a poppy and support this campaign, they are ensuring that we can continue to support the veterans and their families who are still with us today. It also helps enable the part of our mission that is tied to remembrance.
“In 2022, we launched a wonderful new remembrance initiative called ‘Poppy Stories,’ which is in place again for this year’s campaign.
“This concept is simple yet brilliant. People can take their smartphone or android device, scan their lapel poppy, and read the story of a fallen Canadian veteran. It’s a way to connect more deeply with those who have served.
“This year, 50 new faces have been added – all of them peacekeepers – as part of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the first United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.
“This is the second year for our biodegradable poppies (which are) offered around the country. They are made of durable paper and cotton velvet and help us reduce our environmental footprint.
“The same thing holds true for our commemorative wreaths which are now mainly biodegradable (and) made of materials like plaster, cotton velvet, moss, and bamboo.
“Every year, Canadians are very generous with their donations, and we thank them for that. Close to $1.5 million goes back into communities across the province for targeted programs and services. This includes things like financial assistance for veterans in need, and programs to help veterans living with operational stress injuries.
“The Legion and its branches will always be places of support and friendship for military and RCMP veterans, their families, and others who support our mission. You don’t have to be a veteran to help veterans – you just need to care.
“We do care. We see it every day, when our volunteers prepare meals, do wellness checks, or hold branch events focused on veterans’ well-being.
“On November 11, we wear a poppy to honour all our veterans.
“Wherever you may be on that day, at 11 a.m., please observe two minutes of silence.
“We will remember them.
“Your Honour, Mayor Tolley, will you please step forward and accept the first poppy in Moose Jaw, to commence our 2023 poppy campaign.”
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