Media Advisory - Governor General to be Presented with First Poppy of the 2015 National Poppy Campaign

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and patron of The Royal Canadian Legion, will receive the symbolic first poppy of the 2015 National Poppy Campaign from Comrade Tom Eagles, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. The ceremony will be held at Rideau Hall on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.

Poppies will be available to the general public beginning Friday, October 30, 2015. Each year, approximately 18 million poppies are distributed in communities across Canada.

Officially adopted in Canada in 1921 by the Great War Veterans' Association (the predecessor of today's Royal Canadian Legion), poppies are recognized as the national symbol of remembrance for the 117 000 Canadian men and women who gave their lives during military service around the world.

Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony are asked to confirm their attendance in advance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and should arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 9:00 a.m.

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SOURCE Governor General

Media information: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press, Office, 613-998-9166, [email protected]; Bruce Poulin, Manager of Communications, The Royal Canadian Legion, 613-591-3335, ext. 241, [email protected]