Royal Canadian Legion Branch 157 launches 2026 poppy campaign
Members of Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 and town council held a flag raising last Friday after the ceremonial poppy pinning was held.
Volunteers with Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 are hitting the streets in advance of Remembrance Day.
The 2026 poppy campaign kicked off last Friday morning at Amherstburg town hall with a flag raising and the pinning of the mayor. These have been long-standing traditions of the Legion to kick off the annual campaign.
Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie said the red poppy not only supports veterans but is a reminder and hope for peace. In a ceremony held in the council chambers, Wilkie said poppies would grow in times of war in European battlefields around the bodies of fallen soldiers. Poppies would also grow back on the scarred ground after war and damage had come through.
Wilkie also said it helps educate future generations.
“If you see a vet, thank a vet,” he said, adding “give the veterans some space.”
The Legion also paid tribute to the fallen and injured soldiers at CFB Wainwright, after a devastating fire hit the military base. Four soldiers were killed and 39 soldiers were injured in the as a result of the fire.
The poppy campaign runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 11 and Wilkie invited the community to the Remembrance Day ceremony. He pointed out the Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary nationally with Br. 157 in its 97th year in Amherstburg.
The poppy campaign raised over $27,000 in Amherstburg last year, and Wilkie thanked the community for its support.
Wilkie pinned the ceremonial first poppy on Mayor Michael Prue. Prue also pointed out the significance of the poppy and thanked the men and women who have sacrificed for the freedom of others. The poppy is a “powerful reminder of remembrance” of the lives lost.
Prue thanked the volunteers at Legion Br. 157 and said the community of Amherstburg has always supported the Legion. He also paid tribute to the injured and lost at CFB Wainwright, noting being in the Armed Forces is a tough job and the soldiers were getting ready to go to a mission in Latvia.
Poppies were also presented to others in attendance, including Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Councillor Molly Allaire, Councillor Peter Courtney, Councillor Linden Crain, members of administration and members of the Legion executive and membership.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 157 launches 2026 poppy campaign
By Ron Giofu
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