New Hamburg Legion members raise the Poppy Flag at home and on Parliament Hill

New Hamburg Legion Members Raise the Poppy Flag at Home and on Parliament Hill

A tradition that began in Wilmot Township a few years ago has now reached Canada’s capital. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion in New Hamburg hope to expand the initiative even further in the coming year.

On October 31, Legion members joined Mayor Natasha Salonen, township councillors, and staff at the township office and Castle Kilbride in Baden to officially launch this year’s Poppy Campaign. Together, they raised the “Lest We Forget” Poppy Flag—a custom introduced in 2022 by Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class (retired) Donald Eenkooren, a 33-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

“As we head into November and Remembrance Week, it is a time of year to remember and honour all of our veterans who have fought for our freedom and allow us to live in this amazing country,”

said Mayor Salonen, after receiving the first official poppy of the 2025 campaign from New Hamburg Legion president Brian Miller. The Poppy Flag was raised to half-mast on the township flagpole during the ceremony.

“I’d also like to remind everyone it’s not the only time of the year we should be remembering our veterans; we should be doing that all year. Please be sure to wear a poppy and donate to the New Hamburg Legion, especially during the poppy campaign.”

Author’s Summary

The New Hamburg Legion continues to grow a heartfelt tradition of remembrance that connects small-town pride with national respect for veterans in Canada.

more

The Hamilton Spectator The Hamilton Spectator — 2025-11-06

More News