Mayor urges residents to buy and wear a poppy and view banners paying tribute to area veterans
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones joined representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 and ANAVETs Unit 95 to launch the annual Poppy Campaign at a flag-raising ceremony on Oct. 27 in downtown Woodstock.
Branch 11 President Nick Thomas and Jones hoisted the Poppy flag in front of the Woodstock Legion Friday morning. ANAVET Unit 95 President and District Command President for New Brunswick and Quebec, Manderville Canam, his brother and fellow ANAVET Leonard Canam and Legion member Loraine Thomas attended the Poppy launch ceremony.
Nick Thomas urged area residents to buy and wear a poppy to support the Legion’s services to vets and to honour those who fought for their nation. He said they would find poppies at several locations throughout the community.
Those selling lapel poppies included Hank DuJohn, who will take his regular spot at the Woodstock liquor store. He was on hand for the Friday morning flag-raising ceremony.
Asked how many years he sold poppies at the liquor store, DuJohn simply responded, “a long time.”
In her opening remarks at the July 24 council meeting, Mayor Jones announced her plans to participate in the Poppy Campaign.
“Poppies will be for sale in different locations around the community, and we encourage everyone to support this campaign by purchasing and wearing a poppy,” she said.
She also encouraged residents of Woodstock and surrounding areas to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the veteran’s monument in front of the Woodstock courthouse on Nov. 11.
Jones also noted town staff will soon begin erecting the more than 100 veterans banners along downtown streets. She said this year’s display will include 11 new banners.
Jones thanked former Woodstock mayor and councillor Randy Leonard for his efforts to launch and continue the banner program in Woodstock.
“We plan to continue this effort long-term, and we thank Councillor (Julie) Williams for stepping up this year to help review the new banners that came in, and we hope to establish a community relationship to work with the town that will help maintain this very important recognition program,” said Jones. “Randy’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and his efforts will always be visible around Remembrance Day.”
