'I had friends, I lost friends': Veterans reflect on past at launch of annual TTC Poppy Campaign
Canadian veterans, along with students from Davisville Public School, launched the Toronto Royal Canadian Legion’s annual TTC Poppy Campaign at Leslie Subway Station on Friday.
“A red poppy is a symbol of remembrance, the hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the veterans who have served, and those who are still serving,” said Commander John Dufort.
Veterans reminded Toronto residents to wear a poppy — in honour of the men and women who served our country.
“I had friends, I lost friends, and you had to serve your country. There were bad people out there and war was a rough time, but you had to serve your country,” recalled army veteran, Morris AGAMS.
While many reflected on the bravery and patriotism of those who served, navy veteran Richard Ratcliffe called attention to those who stayed behind.
“Don’t forget the people that were left behind that had to carry on their lives themselves until we came back.”
A new initiative this year, designed to help build a tangible link to the past, is called “Poppy Stories.” People can scan their poppies with their smartphones at “poppystories.ca” to read short stories about Canadian veterans who died in service.
The Royal Canadian Legion is also phasing in new biodegradable poppies and wreaths this year to reduce their environmental footprint. It will take a few years to use up all existing stock, but eventually, all poppies used during the campaign will be biodegradable.
The annual poppy campaign runs through to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William and Kate release photo of daughter Charlotte to mark ninth birthday
Prince William and his wife Kate released a picture of their daughter Charlotte to mark the princess's ninth birthday on Thursday.
Doctors concerned about potential spread of bird flu in Canada
H5N1 or avian flu has been detected at dozens of US dairy farms and Canadian experts are urging surveillance on our side of the border too.
This Canadian restaurant just lowered its prices. Here's how it did it
A Canadian restaurant lowered its prices this week, and though news of price tags dropping rather than climbing sounds unusual, the business strategy in this case is not, according to experts in the field.
Man involved in Dartmouth, N.S., emergency alert earlier this week turns himself in
A 49-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault that happened earlier this week in Dartmouth, N.S.
Concerns about Plexiglas prompt inspections at some Loblaws locations in Ottawa
Inspections are underway at more than one Loblaws location in Ottawa after complaints were filed about tall Plexiglas barriers.
Five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, found outside house of Nazi leader Hermann Goring
Archeologists have unearthed the skeletons of five people, missing their hands and feet, at a former Nazi military base in Poland.
Imagine living in a 4-foot body that doesn't develop chronic diseases
Nathaly Paola Castro Torres has a rare disorder called Laron syndrome that is caused by a genetic mutation. It stunts her growth but also provides a hidden silver lining: Her body is protected from chronic diseases such as cancer that often take life away long before old age.
'Oh, there you go': Tyler Black, son of veteran broadcaster Rod Black, has memorable Major League Baseball debut
Canadian baseball player Tyler Black made a major splash in his first-ever big league game for the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.
Groundbreaking American guitarist Duane Eddy dies age 86
Guitarist Duane Eddy, best known for twangy riffs on hits such as 'Rebel Rouser' and 'Cannonball,' has died at the age of 86.