The Royal Canadian Legion's national Poppy Campaign will begin on Saturday 24 October this year, earlier than usual, the National Post reports.
Poppies were previously worn on Canadian Armed Forces uniforms from the last Friday in October. The Legion said the earlier date gives more Canadians the chance to wear one, more time to raise money for veterans and their families, and easier planning for schools and businesses. The armed forces said last week they would follow suit.
The decision was made before the deaths of four soldiers in a training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, and a silence was held for them when the first poppy was presented to the Governor General, Louise Arbour, on Monday. To mark its centenary, the Legion will also launch a campaign called Don't Forget to Remember, with a display at Toronto's Union Station.
Source: National Post
