Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General and Commander in Chief of Canada graciously consented to receive the First Poppy for the ceremonial opening of the 2017 Poppy Campaign. This presentation took place at Rideau Hall on 23 October 2016. The Royal Canadian Legion’s President Comrade Dave Flannigan and Grand President Larry Murray had the honour of making the presentation to the Governor General.
MAVA members attended the Poppy Ceremony, and happened to meet with an old friend Gordie Johnston. Gord (age 93) is a veteran Nav from WW2 and former 404 Sqn and MP&EU from the early Test & Eval Flight days. MAVA took him to an MPEU Luncheon a few years ago. He is residing locally here in Ottawa.
(Photo Credit: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall, OSGG)