Flight Cpl. Josh Heath and Sgt. Braeden Young were stationed in front of the Langley London Drugs in Willowbrook on Sunday, collecting donations and giving out poppies and smiles to passersby.
The pair, both members of the 746 Lightning Hawk air cadet squadron were volunteering as taggers, giving away poppies in exchange for donations for the Langley legion, Young said.
“It do this mostly for the volunteer hours and because it’s a good cause,” Heath shared, explaining that the funds collected are for the local legion.
Asked what the money would go towards, the pair shared their thoughts.
Heath felt it went towards organizing the Remembrance Day ceremonies and other veteran-related efforts.
Young added that he was particularly pleased to volunteer understanding the money covered legion costs such as rent, plus helped support veterans – “people who did all their service in the military.”
The two Langley teens were handing out the traditional poppies, metal pins – which Heath said go very fast – and stickers. Young noted that the poppies are not sold, emphasizing they are given away, in exchange for a donation.
The poppy is a meaningful symbol of remembrance, and wearing it demonstrates a mutual and personal understanding of the deep gratitude people have for the country’s veterans.
The flower pays tribute to all who have fallen, including military and RCMP veterans.
Heath said many people were receptive to donating on Sunday, some giving money without taking a poppy in exchange.
Even if they didn’t donate, the boys offering them greetings and wishing them a nice day.
Founded in 1925, the Royal Canadian Legion is the country’s largest veteran support and community service organization.
Membership includes people who have served as military, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provincial and municipal police, Royal Canadian air, army and sea cadets, direct relatives of members, and also affiliated members.
Membership is also open to the general public.
In Langley, there is a legion in Langley City as well as Aldergrove.
READ: Aldergrove legion 2017 poppy campaign begins
_________________________________
Is there more to this story?
Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
_________________________________
