Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 members appeared before City of Powell River Council to outline this year’s Remembrance Day proceedings.
At the November 7 city council meeting, Legion poppy committee member Karen Crashley appeared with several other Legion members as a delegation and said the Legion has been involved in poppy sales around town since October 25, which, on the last Friday of the month, sales are permitted.
“Everything has gone out to the businesses and we’ve covered all the way from Lund to Saltery Bay with little boxes,” said Crashley. “We’ll pick them up on November 12.”
Crashley said something really special is happening this year, with the great-grandson of Victoria Cross recipient John MacGregor in attendance for the Remembrance Day observation. She said he will be taking the salute at the parade past Dwight Hall.
Crashley said on a sad note, the city lost one of its surviving second world war veterans, Charles (Chuck) Sparks. There are just two surviving second world war veterans left in the community, she added.
Crashley said the wreaths for laying at the cenotaph are ready and there are 36 of them this year.
City councillor Rob Southcott said he wanted to take the opportunity to honour Crashley.
“It’s a personal thing for me because you were around when my dad was still around and he’s been gone for more than 50 years,” said Southcott. “That represents a long service to this community and to the Legion. My dad was a Second World War veteran and a past president of the Legion as well. I thank you and honour your contribution. You are emblematic of so many who have contributed over many, many years.”
Councillor Jim Palm thanked the Legion members for coming in on an annual basis and for the great work they do in the community.
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