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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Royal Canadian Legion will kick off its Remembrance Day activities with a poppy blitz starting Nov. 1 and continuing to Nov. 8.

"Army and air cadets will come to the legion at 9 a.m. to pick up poppies," said Francine Clouston, a volunteer with the Legion. "They will cover the city at different locations."

Cadet Pte. Aven Elson, head bowed in remembrance, stands by the cross during the wreath-laying ceremony at St. Patrick's school in 2004. - NNSL file photo

The Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 will begin with a parade leaving the legion at 9:45 a.m. The procession will walk down Franklin Avenue and lay wreaths at the cenotaph. The group will then continue to the St. Patrick/Weledeh school gym for a service at 11 a.m.

Students will lay wreaths, a choir will sing and trumpet and bagpipers will play.

"It is vital that we hold two minutes of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," said Blaine Kelly, president of the Yellowknife Legion branch.

The group will return to the legion for a potluck with military and RCMP families.

"Everybody is welcome," said Kelly. "We will have a poppy-laying ceremony, food and camaraderie."

Blaine has been the president of the Yellowknife Legion since 2007.

"I got involved with the Legion because my uncles served in WWII," said Kelly. "Remembrance Day is important to remember vets, those who have fallen and those who survive."

The army and air cadets will hold a vigil at the cenotaph starting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Royal Canadian Legions across Canada will also hold a poster and literary contests starting Nov. 1. Kelly said he believes in the work the legion does.

"Veterans need a place to come home to," said Kelly. "We support veterans and their families in a time of need and contribute to the community."

The event relies on the help of many volunteers.

"The inmates from North Slave Correctional Facility have come and helped us set up the school gym for the past few years," said Kelly. "They do a phenomenal job."