Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette receives inaugural poppy

The First Poppy of The Royal Canadian Legion’s 2020 National Poppy Campaign was presented to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada today. For the first time, and due to the pandemic, a virtual presentation took place in lieu of the traditional ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

The Legion’s Dominion President, Thomas D. Irvine, CD offered the flower with words of thanks. “Veterans both past and present appreciate your personal engagement,” said Irvine. “Your example will be followed by millions in Canada and abroad. All will take comfort in this symbolic act, and through the continuing support for our Veterans shown by you and by Canadians.”

As Viceregal Patron of The Royal Canadian Legion, Ms. Payette accepted the symbolic poppy and expressed her support for the 2020 National Poppy Campaign.

“Of course, this year, the campaign looks different,” she said. “But the intent is still the same and is still as noble. We must support our veterans, as they supported us during challenging points in our history,” she shared. Her Excellency reflected her admiration for all Veterans who have served our country. “Thank you for all you have done and you still do, for Canada. And thank you to all Canadians, for supporting the National Poppy Campaign,” she said.

The Legion’s 2020 National Poppy Campaign launches each year on the last Friday in October, and will begin on October 30 this year.

“This year the poppy also reminds us of the special significance of 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War,” said Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Larry Murray, Legion Grand President. “In this year of the pandemic, Remembrance also reminds us that our nation has been through even more challenging times than we’re experiencing now. Canadians persevered then and we will now.”

As the national symbol of Remembrance, the red poppy represents the ongoing thankfulness Canadians have for all fallen military and RCMP Veterans.

Funds donated locally during the National Poppy Campaign are distributed locally to help support Veterans and their families, communities, and to promote Remembrance.