City's oldest veteran gets first official poppy
Dusty Miller, 94, honoured during ceremony at Joint Task Force North headquarters
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 5, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife's oldest veteran has become the first person in the NWT to officially receive a poppy this year, kicking off the Yellowknife Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy campaign leading up to Remembrance Day.
Douglas "Dusty" Miller, Yellowknife's oldest veteran, receives a poppy from Lloyd Lush, president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Yellowknife, as NWT commissioner George Tuccaro looks on. Miller was the first person in the NWT to officially have a poppy pinned to his jacket. Miller got his poppy Oct. 30 at a ceremony at Joint Task Force North headquarters on Oct. 30. - photo courtesy of Joint Task Force (North) Public Affairs |
Douglas "Dusty" Miller, 94, a Second World War veteran, had his pinned to his chest during a ceremony at Joint Task Force North headquarters on Oct 30. Lloyd Lush, president of the Yellowknife legion, had the honour of presenting Miller with his poppy, which is worn to show respect for Canada's soldiers, both living and deceased.
"The events of October where two Canadian soldiers were killed gives us a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifices Canadian soldiers have paid and continue to pay," Lush said.
Capt. Bonnie Wilken, public affairs officer for Joint Task Force North, said the "first poppy" tradition is unique to Yellowknife.
Several other dignitaries also received poppies at the event including Brig.-Gen. Greg Loos, commander of JTFN, Premier Bob McLeod, NWT Commissioner George Tuccaro and Mayor Mark Heyck.
Yellowknifer asked Miller if he thought Remembrance Day this year was particularly important because of the recent deaths of two Canadian soldiers on home soil.
"I don't think so," he said. "When I was at war, I was not responsible for world events. We didn't have anything to do with it. As soldiers we just did what we were told."
Loos took a similar perspective.
"For those of us in the military, in my opinion, Remembrance Day does not particularly take on added significance because of the recent tragic deaths of the two soldiers," he said. "I also don't think the day will be more important because of Canada's current military action in Iraq. Having said that, we are very grateful for the outpouring of support from Canadians as they honour our two recent fallen soldiers."
Loos also said the military's thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen soldiers.
"We have a long history and heritage in the Canadian military both at home and abroad. The recent events provides a strong reminder of the risks and threats our soldiers face," Loos said.
According to the legion's website, it is hoped that this year more than 18 million poppies will be proudly worn by Canadians between now and Remembrance Day.
The public ceremony for Remembrance Day in Yellowknife begins about 10:20 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph at RCMP headquarters. It then moves inside to the gymnasium at St. Patrick High School and Weledeh Catholic School.
