They are words that hit home for those who have survived war and conflict - 鈥榣est we forget.鈥�

Words that had great meaning to the audience gathered at Royal Canadian Branch 26 as 琉璃神社 Acting Mayor Ron Cannan was presented with the first poppy.

鈥淚 look around and I see familiar faces, and I think about those who have come and gone as well,鈥� Cannan said. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 the significance of the poppy that we stop to think and remember and reflect on those who sacrificed life and limb for our freedom.鈥�

Cannan, in turn, presented a poppy to Legion Acting President Linda Mitchell.

He told the crowd what they undoubtedly already knew, that freedom can easily be taken for granted.

鈥淭urn on the news and see what鈥檚 happening in Ukraine, Russia, and Gaza and think about those that are living in turmoil.鈥�

He pointed out that it鈥檚 important that younger generations are reminded of the sacrifices made by Canada鈥檚 veterans.

鈥淚f we can teach them hopefully that prevents future wars.鈥�

Legion Vice President Jim White agreed.

鈥淎 lot of children in the schools only see the veterans,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey forget they were almost their age and in high school. It was only a couple of years later that they went to war.鈥�

White added remembering all veterans of conflict is important to legion members.

鈥淎fghanistan and other wars. Also now we鈥檙e including the RCMP as veterans.

Over the past five years, Legion Branch 26 has raised more than $850,000 through its poppy campaign and other donations.

The money goes to support veterans and their families.

The begins Oct. 27 across the country.

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