Poppy, A Symbol of Remembrance

Since the last Friday in October,
everywhere you go---
cafés, grocery stores,
banks, the post office and
even the liquor store (yes, there
is a government run liquor store
in Canada), red, paper poppies are available
for a small donation.

As a  child,
growing up in North Bay, Ontario
I would see  the veterans,
standing outside shops,
a box full of poppies looped around their neck.
I couldn't wait to wear my poppy.

Royal Canadian Legion Lunenburg, NS

It seems fitting that during

our hiatus in Canada,

Jeff decides to become a 

member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

I'm not exactly sure how 

this American qualifies;  

I guess his service in the Coast Guard

earned him a spot!

Swearing In Of New Members

Jeff Connor, Member of the
 Royal Canadian Legion

How will Jeff celebrate
Remembrance Day tomorrow,
November the 11th?
He will chauffeur  Peter Stoffer,

New Democrat Member of Parliament
for the Sackville-Eastern Shore region of Nova Scotia
to numerous Royal Canadian Legion
branches.

I'm confused. As the only full blooded Canadian in
this family how is it that the only full blooded American
becomes a chauffeur to a CANADIAN member
of parliament?

Mr. Stoffer has a deep respect for Veterans.
He received the Veterans' Commendation Award for
advancing issues on behalf of veterans and their families.
At each of the fifteen Legion branches,
Mr. Stoffer will offer a toast in thanksgiving
for the Veterans' service to their
country; thus the need for a designated driver.

Really, Jeff is an appropriate choice;
a vet who also has a deep gratitude for veterans
and their profound service to our countries,
not to mention a wicked good knowledge
of WW1 and WW2 history.  (Alec
would have to join them if they want
to delve into Roman or Napoleonic history.)

Whether or not we support
our governments choice
to go to war,
let us remember all of those
men and women
who have served,
who have died,
for their countries.