Lest We Forget

By Martin Shields Member of Parliament Bow River Riding

Every year on Nov. 11, Canadians across the country wear their poppies and gather together to attend Remembrance Day ceremonies. 

As we all know, this year will be different. With pandemic lockdown measures in place, many of the usual means through which we honour our veterans will be impacted. It may be harder than usual to find a poppy, with many of the normal means of distributing them shut down. However, I would urge you to find out where your local legion is still selling poppies and get one at the earliest opportunity. The sale of poppies support our veterans, and without these sales it leaves our veterans at risk.

I recently invited our Conservative Shadow Minister of Veterans Affairs, John Brassard, to join me in a virtual meeting with Royal Canadian Legion branches in our riding. What we heard from them is that they need our support more than ever. Their usual revenue streams like renting their facilities, selling poppies and hosting Remembrance Day gatherings have been seriously affected by the lockdown. Many are in dire situations and aren’t sure if they will be able to stay open at all.

This Remembrance Day let’s reflect on our freedoms and renew our determination to never forget the legacy and tremendous sacrifices of Canada’s veterans. There will still be Remembrance Day ceremonies in many of our communities, even though it won’t be the usual program because of COVID-19. Please check with your local legions and find out if a ceremony will be held at the cenotaph in your community. And please, buy a poppy and support your local legion.

Lest We Forget.

(My Ottawa office can be reached at martin.shields@parl.gc.ca. My Brooks office can be reached at 403-793-6775 or martin.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca, and my Strathmore office at 403-361-2980 or martin.shields.c1B@parl.gc.ca.)