While poppies might not be worn in June, the 撸奶社区Legion wants to remind citizens that it's still proper to honour those who fought for Canada, and continue to do so.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark has officially proclaimed June 19 to 24 as Legion Week 2011 to honour the important contributions of B.C.'s 63,000 Legionnaires and Ladies Auxiliary members, who are committed to providing unique programs and services for their communities.
This year the Legion celebrates 85 years of community service by hosting a "Fun, fun fun outdoor festival" for the 撸奶社区community on Saturday (June 25) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It starts with a family breakfast and features live music by the Bushwackers, games for children, balloons and maple leaf pins, food vendors, a dunk tank, face painting and tattooing and a Legion medal of excellence cadet presentation.
However, the 撸奶社区Legion is going above and beyond to recognize the service Canadian troops are providing overseas.
"The community is invited to sign a huge Canadian flag that will be sent to the Canadian troops in Afghanistan on behalf of the community of Squamish," said Legion member Betty Adamson, who put forward the idea after reading of a similar gesture in a Legion magazine.
"From a soldier's point of view, I assume if they received a flag signed by an entire community and showing our support, I hope they would feel supported."
The flag will be presented to Mayor Greg Gardner as part of the official ceremony, and will then be transported to the Operation Attention Headquarters in Kabul.
Adamson made it clear that although the flag is Legion-driven, "it's not from the Legion, it's from the community."
The 撸奶社区Legion raises approximately $15,000 per year to donate to local programs such as the elementary school lunch program, Hilltop House initiatives and student bursaries.
"We don't choose who receives the money," said Adamson. "We accept requests from non-profit organizations - anybody can access the funds."
Adamson said the Legion is looking at the celebration as a fun event to support and acknowledge the Legion and our troops.
"It's all about education," she said. "The Legion is working to move into the 21st century because tradition either needs to adapt or it will die off."
