Yellowknife (Nov 10/04) - The Royal Canadian Legion now has a way to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for our country and display a new piece of Canadiana.

Local carver Harvey Waite donated a hand-made soapstone clock to the Legion Saturday. Instead of numbers, the clock is emblazoned with 12 recently issued 'poppy' quarters.

"My father was in World War Two, so I think Remembrance Day is important to commemorate," said Waite, who moved to Yellowknife from Campbell River, BC, just two months ago.

Waite said the most difficult part about creating the time piece was polishing the jagged block of soapstone.

"It took about three days of aggressive work," said Waite, who carves during his spare time.

The quarters -- renowned for their bright red colour as much as the tendency for the colour to rub off easily -- are embedded in the soapstone to prolong their life span.

The Legion, along with Tim Hortons, were the recipients of 31 million coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

"It's totally unique," the Legion's Lorne Power said about the clock. "There probably isn't another one like it in Canada."

New pieces of Canadiana

Waite said he was proud to incorporate the new pieces of Canadiana into a gift for the Legion.

"The Legion is always giving to other people," Waite said. "It's nice to give something to them."

Lloyd Lush, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Yellowknife Branch, said he was happy to see the donation in time for tomorrow's holiday.

"Remembrance Day is very important to the Legion and we really appreciate the donation," said Lush.