If you’re like me, you’ve probably lost one or two poppies in recent weeks as we prepare to mark Remembrance Day. I swear my jackets eat them.
Imagine if you had to keep track of and organize 1,738 of them. That was just a part of the challenge taken on by Danielle Barnes, a local Canadian Armed Forces veteran who spearheaded the months-long Poppies on the Canal project.
Those 1,738 poppies were attached in groups of 11 and wrapped on 158 trees – one for each of the Canadian military members who died in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014. Each garland represents the 11th hour, 11th day, and 11th month of the 1918 armistice.
Since the poppies were strung a couple of weeks ago the reaction has been very positive, Barnes says. There certainly have been lots of comments on Facebook.
“We hope that the display will become an annual Campbellford tradition, bringing people together through remembrance while adding a beautiful and meaningful tribute to the canal,” she says.
Barnes also volunteers with Quilts of Valour, a national group that makes quilts that are presented to injured armed forces members. The group is currently helping those injured in the Wainwright fire. You can donate here to help out with that effort.
The canal initiative was inspired by a desire to bring the spirit of Remembrance Day directly into the community in a meaningful way. Local crafters have been diligently stitching since June to make this project a reality.
Barnes says so many crocheters have helped out that it’s impossible to track the number.
“This is more than a display of crocheted flowers - it is a way for our community to come together, remember those who served, and ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten.” said Gabrielle, volunteer crocheter. “Every poppy is made with care and carries a message of gratitude.”
The effort was supported by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 103, and the municipality of Trent Hills.
After November 11 the poppies will be stored until next year.
There will be services tomorrow at cenotaphs in Campbellford, Hastings and Warkworth at 10:45 a.m. involving Legion Branches 103, 106 and 380.