OTTAWA – NEWS – The Royal Canadian Legion is set to launch the 2017 version of its Virtual Poppy Drop in Ottawa this evening, with a digital light show featuring 117,000 virtual poppies representing each of Canada’s fallen since the beginning of the First World War.
Dominion Carillonneur Dr. Andrea McCrady will play “The Last Post” on the Peace Tower bells before the first Poppy falls. Those unable to watch in person can join in by tuning in to Facebook Live on the Legion’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CanadianLegion/
“It is an inspiring visual memorial to all of our fallen,” says David Flannigan, Dominion President. “Over the coming days we hope Canadians and visitors alike will stop and take a moment to remember and to think of the freedoms they enjoy in Canada,” he says.
The display encourages people to reflect upon the sacrifices of other Canadians and marks the beginning of this year’s National Poppy Campaign. Starting today, countless volunteers including many young cadets began handing out bright red poppies. They distribute over 20 million every year. People are encouraged to wear poppies near their heart.
Funds donated during the National Poppy Campaign stay within local communities to support Veterans and their families with a range of help, from Veteran transition programs to educational bursaries for children. In 2015, 19 million dollars went back into helping Veterans.
Virtual poppies will cascade down Centre Block on Parliament Hill from October 27 through November 11 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The display also features two large screens highlighting pictures of fallen Canadian soldiers. People from across the country submitted pictures for this Virtual Wall of Honour.
This is the second year for the Virtual Poppy Drop on Parliament Hill, which last year resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from people across the country and around the world.
