With Remembrance Day being marked tomorrow, the poppy remains the enduring symbol of remembrance, worn to honour those Canadians who served in two world wars, the Korean War and numerous conflicts since.
One of those is Master Warrant Officer Al Plume, the Deputy District Commander of Peterborough Branch 52 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
He joined the Canadian Armed Forces fresh out of high school in 1981 and rose through the ranks, serving overseas in Bosnia, East Timor, Eritrea and Afghanistan before retiring from the military in 2016.
As poppy campaign chair for the district that includes Peterborough, he says poppy donation money remains key to the legion’s mission and survival.
Master Warrant Officer Plume says his view of what constitutes a veteran has changed with time.
Master Warrant Officer Plume reminds that one doesn’t have to be a past or present member of the military in order to become a legion member.
Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place in Peterborough tomorrow morning with a Veterans’ parade at 10:00 am, beginning at City Hall, followed by a 10:30 am service at the Cenotaph.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)