Poppy season is in effect in Okotoks.

The annual poppy campaign kicked off this week, hosted by the Okotoks Legion.

Campaign chair Maureen Haberstock says it's important residents show their support each Remembrance Day.

"I think the importance of the poppy is fundamentally remembrance," she said. "As I work at various sites during the campaign and talk to the citizens you realize that almost everyone in this town knows someone or has a relative that has served."

The poppies will be available throughout town, with four manned boxes at Safeway, Sobeys, Costco, and Wal-Mart, where residents will be able to get poppies as well as accessory items like car poppies, wreaths, bookmarks, and more.

Haberstock says it's important to honour these vets, and the poppy campaign is a great way to help citizens understand what they've sacrificed for our freedom.

"They make big sacrifices to do what they do, and they will not be forgotten," Haberstock said.

As a military medical physician for over 30 years, Haberstock has a unique understanding of the soldiers and vets she's helped to treat.

"By and large they are incredible patients to look after," Haberstock remembers. "All they ever want to do is get over whatever's ailing them and get back in the fight, so to speak."

She says by working with the legion she's happy to get the chance to continue looking after vets.

The Legion is also preparing for the banner initiative on Veterans Way.

A ceremony at the Town's municipal building in council chambers Tuesday afternoon, where the first poppy will be pinned to Mayor Bill Robertson. That ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

 

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