By RYAN KING
PORT AUX BASQUES – Friday, Oct. 29, marked the beginning of the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual poppy campaign, beginning with the raising of the Poppy Flag at the town hall. The Secretary of Branch 11, Classie Marshall, 2nd Vice President Warren Willis, and President Nelson Lillington were in attendance along with Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button, to raise the flag.
“The proclamation is an annual event,” noted Willis. “The Legion president, with representatives from the local branch, Branch 11, meet with the mayor of the town of Port aux Basques in order to kick off the poppy campaign, which starts October 29th and ends on November 11th. The Legion Poppy Flag, that is then flown from town hall, shows the town that the campaign is underway.”
Those wishing to support the Legion and Veterans can purchase poppies through local retailers.
Lorna Savory, the chair of the annual Poppy campaign for the Legion Branch 11 in Port aux Basques, explained what services will be held this year on Remembrance Day.
“We’re going to have a November the 11th ceremony at the cenotaph, up in front of the Hotel-Port aux Basques. Most people refer to it as Memorial Park. Rain or shine, it’s going to be held there at November the 11th at 11 o’clock.”
Following the ceremony, there will be music and food offered at the Legion.
“After the ceremony there’s going to be soup and sandwiches and a couple hours of entertainment at the Royal Canadian Legion,” shared Savory. “We have Terry Harvey, Wayne McNeil, and Joe Willis there.”
The events are open to everyone. However masks and social distancing will be maintained, and attendees will need to show proof of vaccination.