Banner created by Cochrane Legion has been raised across province

A banner created by the Cochrane branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has proven to be a hit with 26 other Legions across Alberta. If time permitted, some branches in British Columbia were also interested.

Legion president and district commander Karen Bruens says the banner was created to celebrate the 100th year of the poppy becoming the symbol of remembrance in Canada. The banner's design was approved by the branch's executive and was made available to other branches. They quickly jumped on board.

It was the famous poem 'In Flanders Field' that inspired the use of the poppy. Canadian physician Lt.-Col. John McCrae is said to have written the poem on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier Lt. Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres.

Madame Anna Guérin, later christened "The Poppy Lady from France," adopt the distribution of the poppy on Armistice Day as a way to raise money for Veterans' needs and to remember those who had given their lives during the First World War.

In July 1921, the Great War Veterans Association (which in 1925 would unify with other Veteran groups to form the Canadian Legion) adopted the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance.

Canada is in the midst of Remembrance Week that continues until Nov. 11.

Legionnaires like Andy Bowyer were stationed at major stores in Cochrane over the weekend offering poppies. Poppies continue to be available at businesses throughout Cochrane until Remembrance Day.