The poppy and Canadian flags were raised at the Civic Centre, Oct. 26, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)The poppy and Canadian flags were raised at the Civic Centre, Oct. 26, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)
Chatham

Poppy flag raised at CK Civic Centre

Poppy sales have begun in more than 100 locations across the community.

On Oct. 26, the poppy and Canadian flags were raised at the Civic Centre.

Members of multiple Royal Canadian Legion branches attended to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the armistice for World War One.

Marian Patterson, president of Legion branch 243 was proud to see the flags raised.

“I’ll try to not cry,” said Patterson when asked what the day meant to her. “I’ve only recently become a Canadian so the flag means a lot to me.”

Residents stand vigil at the flags in honour of Canada’s participation in the war.

“It’s amazing how many people will come and volunteer to stand there for two hours,” said Patterson. Patterson’s daughter is even coming from out of town to stand guard for two hours.

The traditional straight pin poppy is available, as well as a press-in pin option. The RCL also recently announced a digital version of the poppy.

“People have tried to change it (the poppy),” said Patterson. “We all lose the centres with the straight pins, so these press-in pins to me look excellent, they look like the inside of the poppy.”

The digital version is downloaded after an online donation and can be used a social media profile photo.

Veterans Week runs Nov. 5 to Nov. 12. Proceeds from poppy sales go directly to programs to support veterans and their families.

With files from Greg Higgins.

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