Mishall RehmanTo give veterans and first responders a special tribute, the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting the annual “Salute to Veterans and Military Valour” half-time show on Nov. 7 when the BC Lions take on the Calgary Stampeders.
“I think it’s really important for this event on an annual basis, among other large events that we do in the Legion nationally, to bring the idea and understanding of military service and remembrance, and the respect of veterans in particular, to the public and where the public is is where we need to put that message. I think a beautiful thing about the BC Lions half-time show, Salute to Veterans, is that it is so inclusive. We have young veterans, World War Two veterans, motorcycle veterans and cadets… it’s also a show of military pride which we are so happy to be a part of” said Inga Kruse, Executive Director of the BC/Yukon branch of the Legion.
The half-time show includes bands, military vehicles and a group of 800 marchers on the fields. The show features organizations from veterans’ ceremonial groups to first responders’ ceremonial groups to cadets, all on the backdrop of pipes and drums. Typical tunes played at the show to honour veterans, and first responders include Amazing Grace.
“It shows such a great respect for an organization like the BC Lions to give this kind of support. And they do a whole lot to make this happen for us is. It is just incredible. We have our members show up, military members show up, it is just a perfect thing to happen at our hometown game,” said Kruse.
The BC Lions are also offering ticket deals to first responders and military members in attendance that night. Tickets are priced at $30, including tax, for this group and $3 of each ticket sold will be donated to the Legion Poppy Fund.
Another way residents of the Vancouver area can donate to the Poppy Campaign is by messaging the word “poppy’ to 20222. Each message donates $5 to the Poppy Fund.
