Media Advisory - Governor General to be Presented with First Poppy of the 2017 National Poppy Campaign

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and patron of The Royal Canadian Legion, will receive the symbolic first poppy of the 2017 National Poppy Campaign from David Flannigan, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. The ceremony will be held at Rideau Hall on Monday, October 23, 2017, at 1 p.m.

Poppies will be available to the general public beginning October 27, 2017. Each year, over 20 million poppies are distributed in communities across Canada.

About the National Poppy Campaign
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. The funds raised each year during the National Poppy Campaign go back into programs and services for veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.legion.ca/poppy.

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 12:45 p.m.

Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Melanie Primeau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, 613-618-2691 (cell), [email protected]; Nujma Bond, The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command, 613-591-3335, ext. 241, 343-540-7604 (cell), [email protected]