Veterans honoured at Barrie Legion ahead of Remembrance Day

At the Barrie Legion on Friday, a moment to honour and remember those who fought and sacrificed their own lives for this country, as veterans, families and politicians gathered to mark the beginning of the poppy campaign ahead of Remembrance Day.

“We don't want people to forget why we're here or what the veterans have done for our country, and that is what this is about,” said Fern Taillefer, Barrie Legion Branch 147 chairman.

In the crowd is Silvercross mother Carol Collier, who in 2010 lost her 24-year-old son, Brian while serving in Afghanistan.

With her daughter and her grandchildren by her side, the family was given poppies to mark the start of the campaign while honoring Brian's sacrifice.

“It is important. It is a sacrifice. Something we're proud of, but also heartbroken,” Collier said.

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Veterans and politicians also received poppies, along with the Kuwait Liberation Medal awarded to Gulf War veteran Denis Mainville.

“Especially at a time of great anxiety and great insecurity, you know, holding on to the values of those who fought and continue to serve our nation, to uphold the values that we hold dear as Canadians like democracy, the value of our institutions, the value of the rule of law. I think it's important to recognize the sacrifices of those who served,” said Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard.

In 2022 and 2023, $140,000 was raised for the Barrie Legion, with this year's goal set at $150,000.

The Poppy campaign runs until Remembrance Day on November 11, and anyone who wants to pick up a poppy can do so at any participating business. Local legions are also seeking volunteers to help donate their time to help the campaign.