ANTIGONISH – Red is the favourite fall colour for millions of Canadians – not because of its place amongst the fall leaves, but its brilliance as the hue of the poppy, the flower that symbolizes Remembrance Day, as chronicled in the iconic John McCrae poem “In Flanders Fields.”
Like hundreds of sister organizations across the country, Royal Canadian Legion Arras Branch No. 59 is ready to launch its annual poppy campaign, which is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m., at its location in the East Coast Credit Union Social Enterprise Centre on St. Ninian Street.
“Everything is starting to come together,” J.P. MacEachern – who has been Arras Branch No. 59 poppy campaign chair for more than two decades and a legion member for 64 years – told The Journal, noting that things are starting “a little earlier this year” because of a decision by the Legion at the national level that permits branches to launch their campaigns as early as Oct. 24.
In keeping with a tradition established over the past couple of decades, the first poppies will be pinned on the lapels of the warden (Nicholas MacInnis) and mayor (Sean Cameron) of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish and Town of Antigonish.
Those municipal representatives will be the first of countless people in the community who will be donning their poppies. From Friday, Oct. 30 to Tuesday, Nov. 10, veterans, legion members and volunteers will be staffing poppy campaign donation tables at local businesses and organizations. Over that same time span, people will be able to purchase wreaths at the branch.
Along with the presentation of the first poppies, Arras Branch No. 59 – as its major sponsor – makes its annual financial contribution to 285 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps during the launch. It is one of the ways in which monies from the poppy fund are distributed in the community.
As soon as the launch ceremony ends, legion members and volunteers will distribute poppies and the familiar donation baskets to locations – including businesses – throughout the town and county. Each day until the end of the campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 10 – a day before Remembrance Day (Nov. 11) – veterans, legion members and volunteers will also be on hand at these spots at times to accept contributions that are earmarked for the Arras Branch No. 59 poppy fund.
MacEachern explained that the poppy fund is not a part of the branch’s general coffers.
“It is a separate one,” he said, noting that monies can only be spent in specific areas, including helping “veterans who need assistance” in areas such as health care and cost of living challenges.
Its proceeds not only offer support to veterans and their dependents in a variety of ways, but also funds programs and initiatives related to remembrance, such as its sponsorship of the local army cadet corps. While supporting the care of veterans and their families, there are also bursaries awarded as a part of the initiative.
As for the educational element of the poppy campaign – and its role in inspiring and maintaining remembrance – there is a tremendous focus on youth. Legions across Canada, such as Arras Branch No. 59 – participate in the National Youth Remembrance Contests. Winners and prize recipients from local schools move on to the provincial and, potentially, national contest stage.
“It is important to get young people involved,” MacEachern said.
The Oct. 26 poppy campaign launch serves as the kick-off for a busy and important week or more of activities for Arras Branch No. 59 and its members and veterans, including making visits to schools, where they share their experiences and answer questions from students.
“It is great to see,” MacEachern said of being able to see and hear from students as they make presentations and participate in the services.
He offered, considering the “turmoil in the world,” the importance of delivering the message of remembrance is even more magnified.
“It doesn’t seem like we have learned a thing,” MacEachern added, in illustrating how taking these steps is more vital than they have ever been.
The Havre Boucher Veterans’ Association will welcome visitors to the community centre for the organization’s annual remembrance ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m., while the Arras Branch No. 59 service – this year at St. James United Church – is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. On the same day as the church service, the Legion will host its customary veterans’ luncheon.
Legion representatives and veterans also participate in a ceremony at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.
“We try to get as many people as possible involved,” MacEachern said.
The myriad activities culminate with the traditional community Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
On Remembrance Day, the parade – led by the legion’s colour guard – will leave the branch on St. Ninian Street, march down Church and onto Main St., continuing to Columbus Field on the east end, where the local cenotaph – the centrepiece for the ceremony – is located. Veterans, legion members and the RCMP are among those who march in the parade, along with a variety of groups and representatives of all ages.
As usual, hundreds and hundreds are expected to dot the parade route, providing applause and other signs of appreciation, including donning their poppies.
Just after arriving at the cenotaph, the familiar rites of the Remembrance Day ceremony are carried out, including the two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. There will also be music of the season presented by the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School band, remarks by elected representatives along with the laying of wreaths.
As for the 2026 poppy campaign, MacEachern expects it to continue its tradition of success.
“Everyone in Antigonish is always so supportive,” he said.
