Every year, people across Commonwealth countries can be seen wearing a small red plastic poppy in the fall. Bearing an important historical symbolism, this crimson flower is worn by anyone, from the general public to state dignitaries, to honour the service of both former and active military members who served in conflicts from the Great War to present day.

This year, the B.C.91裸聊视频檚 annual poppy campaign was launched at Victoria91裸聊视频檚 Government House as Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin was presented with the first poppy handed out by the Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Commands, on Oct. 22.

After a customary land acknowledgement, Austin addressed the crowd composed of veterans and local dignitaries. 

91裸聊视频淚 am deeply honoured to receive the first poppy,91裸聊视频� said Austin. 91裸聊视频淭his symbol represents our respect and our profound gratitude for those who serve this country with unwavering courage. It holds the weight of our nation's memory of hardship and the immeasurable cost of war.

91裸聊视频淭hey paid a price for all of us that can never be repaid. And we honour the families also who bore a sacrifice no less meaningful.91裸聊视频�

Although a small gesture in appearance, Austin mentioned the importance of the annual poppy campaign in supporting veterans and their families, in their dedication to upholding 91裸聊视频減eace, democracy, and justice91裸聊视频� in Canada and beyond. 

91裸聊视频淭o our veterans and serving members, I offer my deepest thanks,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淵ou give us peace of mind and a sense of hope that transcends generations.91裸聊视频�

Before the official presentation of the poppy to the Crown representative, Craig Thomson, president of the BC/Yukon Command Royal Canadian Legion, took the stage to share the story behind the origin of the poppy symbol.

91裸聊视频淓ver since Lt.-Col. John McCrae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields in 1915, the poppy was adopted as the flower and the symbol of remembrance when the Canadian Legion was formed,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淚t took on the role of the keeper of remembrance and with that, the symbol of the remembrance of poppy each year.91裸聊视频�

Following a heartfelt speech, Thomson presented the first poppy to Austin, which she pinned to her blazer.

As the official ceremony ended, the Legion91裸聊视频檚 president shared a few additional words, highlighting the importance of the public getting a poppy before Nov. 11.

91裸聊视频淏y putting a poppy on, what you're doing is saying, 91裸聊视频榃e remember and we appreciate the service of those who gave their lives [or] continue to serve today to (preserve) our freedom and make sure that we have a safe and free country to live in,91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频� said Thomson.