Poppy stands are back
Last year, I lamented that there was a distinct lack of people handing out poppies. No stores I visited had poppy cans or trays. This year I noticed quite a few stores with those familiar Legion cans, as well as a couple people handing out poppies. Perhaps because it was the 90th anniversary of the First World War armistice, but it was good to see stuff like that coming back.
Watching a news story on the Highway of Heroes made me marvel at the human spirit. The fact that it started without any fanfare or political push represents the best of this country when it’s the worst time for the family of the fallen. It’s strange who we call heroes these days. David Beckham was called a hero for scoring on a penalty kick. So too was Jason Arnott, when he scored in overtime to win the Stanley Cup. But when I gazed upon the only remaining Canadian soldier from World War I placing a rose at Victory Square, well, I think you know what I’m getting at. We should all acknowledge the real heroes today.