Military and Legion don vintage uniforms to hand out free poppies

Members of HMCS Queen Charlotte and the Legion Branch 1 brought a bit of history to downtown Charlottetown Monday as they handed out poppies to the public. 

They were dressed in vintage Second World War uniforms. 

Lt. Jim Smith, public affairs representative with HMCS Queen Charlotte, came up with the idea three years ago.

"There's many, many members of this Island who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and it's the least we can do to get out there, remind people, remind the younger people," said Smith.

"We have to keep passing that torch to the younger generation."

'A sense of pride'

During his 13 years of service with the navy, Smith said he often hasn't had the opportunity to interact with the public. When he came across old World War II uniforms donated by Island families, he wanted to put them to good use.

It's overwhelming to put on the uniform, he said.

"It gives me a sense of pride in what I do on a daily basis," he said.

"I've never had the opportunity to do this while on ship." 

While they hand out poppies, military and legion members talk to the public about the Island's military history. 

Military and legion members started at the Cenotaph, and walked around the downtown area, stopping to chat with people along the way as they gave them poppies from their large white trays. 

The group will also be going to Summerside, P.E.I., on Tuesday, in the downtown area from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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