Melfort Mayor Glenn George receving 'first poppy of the year' from former Melfort Legion president Bob Ellis (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Remembrance Month

Melfort Mayor accepts ‘first poppy of the year’ from local Legion

Oct 28, 2022 | 5:25 PM

On Friday, the City of Melfort’s Mayor, Glenn George, was honoured by the Melfort Legion.

The annual tradition is called their ‘poppy campaign’, where they bestow the local mayor, with the ‘first poppy of the year’.

George told northeastNOW he’s honoured to be the first one in town to receive such a historic Canadian symbol.

“It means a lot to me to come here every year and do this because the Legion members gave their lives so that we can live in this great country,” George said. “I appreciate it more and more every year.”

The event happens every year at the same time, the last Friday in October, as a lead-up to Remembrance Day.

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Former president of the Melfort Legion, Bob Ellis, added it’s also special for him, as he and George “go way back”.

“It’s an honour for me to have somebody with Glenn’s stature to come in and do this for us as it has for other mayors in the past,” Elliot said. “For me, this is a little extra special because it’s Glenn. This tradition has to be kept alive and it’s my job to do that.”

Friends and professional colleagues shake hands and pose for a picture (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

After the mayor was pinned, the Legion was able to drop off over a hundred poppies to local businesses and schools.

Ellis explained the members of the community show just as much excitement, as the members of the Legion.

“It seems like the community almost holds their breath waiting for it because they can’t wait to give us donations every year. For that, we’re very grateful because it keeps us alive and allows us to help so many other people. It’s a tradition and one that we look forward to keeping.”

According to Ellis, however, that tradition is becoming harder to keep, as it’s one that needs to be passed down.

He mentioned they are always looking for new members to train for the future and that anyone can join.

“To pass it along is a little trickier because we need the people that come and join the Legion. Anybody can join, as I said before, all they need is a pulse.”

He quickly finished off by saying, however, he’s grateful to be in a smaller community, as people care more when they know who you are.

“It’s important just being such a small community compared to being a city because it’s easier to get to the people and they see what we do. We don’t have to twist any arms. We’re already looking forward to next year”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8