MP Royal Galipeau joins Veterans to launch Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy Campaign

Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orléans participates in commemorative flash mob

OTTAWA, Nov. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orléans, today attended the launch of the Royal Canadian Legion's 2014 Poppy Campaign in Ottawa.

As part of this commemorative launch, MP Galipeau marched alongside Veterans and cadets to the National War Memorial in a "flash mob" led by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band. MP Galipeau also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of remembrance and to pay tribute to Canada's Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Quick Facts

• The Royal Canadian Legion, established in 1926, is the largest Veterans' service organization in Canada and every year, thousands of Legion members volunteer to distribute poppies.
• The 2014 Poppy Campaign launch was co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion's local branches in Ottawa, and the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band.
• More than 150 persons, including over 50 pipers and drummers from bands in the local Ottawa area, gathered for the Royal Canadian Legion's 2014 Poppy Campaign launch, in honour of those who served.  
• The Sons of Scotland Pipe Band is Canada's oldest civilian pipe band. Established in Ottawa in 1896, the members of this band perform extensively in the Ottawa region throughout the year. They provide instruction free of charge, support many great communities and charitable endeavours, and are associated with the Canadian Celtic Collective, which supports Celtic organizations worldwide.

Quotes

"The Royal Canadian Legion has been a trusted partner in ensuring the legacy of Canada's Veterans is preserved for future generations. Our Government is proud to take part in this annual campaign that supports our brave men and women and allows Canadians to recognize those whose service has kept our country strong, proud and free."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"It is an honour to join the Royal Canadian Legion to launch this year's Poppy Campaign. I am happy to take part in this noble tradition of remembering and supporting the generations of courageous Canadians who have stood guard for us and the values we all hold so dearly."
Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Orléans

"As one of the organizers of this event, I am honoured to be able to help provide a great show to launch the Poppy Campaign in Ottawa, and pay tribute to our Veterans and dedicated soldiers who have given so much to our country with their service and sacrifice."
Bethany Bisaillion, Pipe Major, Sons of Scotland Pipe Band

Associated Links

• I Remember: veterans.gc.ca/iremember
• World Wars Commemoration
• Royal Canadian Legion

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Barbara Mottram, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649; Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468