Left to right: Deanne Riese, Michael Daniels, and Marie Mathers. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Poppy Campaign

P.A. veteran receives first poppy to kickoff annual campaign

Oct 27, 2023 | 12:08 PM

For the second straight year, the Prince Albert Legion started its annual poppy campaign by giving the first poppy to a local veteran.

Corporal Michael Daniels received his poppy on Friday from fellow veteran Marie Mathers.

“I never heard of (veterans getting the first poppy), but I was honoured,” he said.

Daniels returned from a six-month deployment in Latvia back in June. The country was chosen for a peacekeeping mission due to how close it is to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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He explained their mission was to get used to working alongside soldiers from other countries.

“We worked together with the Spanish for quite a bit, also the Germans. Those were the primary two countries that I remember working the most with, but we also had the Slovenians and Slovakians there as well,” said Daniels.

Originally from Manitoba, Daniels has called Prince Albert home for 11 years. He signed up a couple of years after arriving in town.

“I always wanted to join the army, but I thought I’d be 18 in grade 12. I was 16 at the time, in grade 10, and I found out that there was an armoury here in Prince Albert, so I joined up that way.”

People wanting to get their poppy can find one in different spots across P.A. including grocery stores and local businesses.

All the funds raised through the campaign will support local veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, the annual Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at the P.A. armoury.

This will be the last one that will be prepared by Mathers, who’s been making sure a ceremony is held every year over the past 30 years.

“It’s about time. At 89, you need a little time to yourself.”

Russ Mirasty, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, will be in attendance.

“Of all my 30 years, this is the first time,” said Mathers.

The ceremony will begin at 10:55 with the marching in of the colours followed by the last post and a minute of silence. They will then read the honour roll followed by the act of remembrance. The ceremony will end with the closing prayer and the marching off of the colours.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow