Southampton Legion Branch 155 Poppy Campaign Chair Stewart Shular (left) holds a poppy box that is destined for Roberto’s Pizza in Southampton as Mayor Mike Smith is pinned by President John Willetts October 26 at the Southampton Legion Branch 155.

Hub Staff

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith was proudly adorned with a poppy by Southampton Legion Branch 155 President John Willetts October 26 to officially kick off the 2017 poppy campaign ahead of Remembrance Day, November 11.

Approximately 5,000 poppies will soon be delivered to many businesses in downtown Southampton with many Legion members taking to the streets to hand out poppies for a small donation.

First Vice-President Stewart Shular, the head Branch 155’s Poppy Campaign said that all money raised is used locally to assist veterans and their families. He also noted that anyone who has questions about purchasing a wreath which are laid in front of the Southampton Cenotaph on Remembrance Day can contact Shular at the Legion at 519-797-3863 or personally at 519-797-3950. Shular said there are two sizes of wreaths available, a 14” for $50 and a 20” for $70.

President Willetts said the Southampton Legion is currently home to 18 veterans. “They’re WWII vets, Korea, and Peacekeepers,” said Willetts. “We have people who have served in Yugoslavia, in Serbia, Bosnia, and Egypt and East Europe, so it’s nice to have those connections. Of course the Legion also addresses the needs of the families and widows of veterans and current service people,” he added.

Willetts went on to say that the Southampton branch has over 200 members who volunteer their time serving the community through the Legion which, he added, has extended its hours to open at noon and lunch is regularly served from 12 to 2 p.m.

In Canada poppies have been worn since 1921 and were made famous the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.