Remembrance Day will soon be upon us.
Our taggers, cadets and members have been canvassing throughout the region since Oct. 25, offering our poppies for you to wear with pride.
The red poppy is a visual pledge to never forget. The donations made during this time go towards helping veterans and their families. In 2017 alone, over $16 million went back into communities across the country. We thank you for your generosity and for going above and beyond.
This year, we have marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the fifth anniversary of the end of the Afghanistan mission. It also marks the 50th anniversary of NATO, which saw many Canadian troops serve overseas. But wherever we are, we will think about the incredible sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
I would like to share some final thoughts. The Legion is Canada's largest veteran support and community service organization. We have 260,000 members — many of them volunteers at nearly 1,400 branches here and abroad.
Helping veterans is our mission, honouring veterans is our duty, and remembering the fallen is our sacred obligation.
Please join us at a Remembrance Day service and wear your poppy in their memory. On Nov. 11, join us in paying a solemn tribute to those who gave their all to keep Canada glorious and free. Let's fill the Sudbury Arena and show our pride.
Gisele Pharand
Zone H3 public relations chair
Royal Canadian Legion