The efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces in long-term care facilities in Quebec during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic are the subject of a new short film promoting the Quebec Command Poppy Fund.

The film, made by Cat Around Films, centres on Montreal city councillor Sterling Downey, who is also a member of Verdun Branch. He describes what the poppy means to him as he walks about the Last Post Fund National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Que. He is also seen looking over photos from his father’s service in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War.

Downey makes the point that veterans are not just those who served in the two world wars but all those who are serving or have served. He draws particular attention to the reservists who help out in times of floods or ice storms. The film features interviews with Warrant Officer Adam Wilson of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and Sailor (Third Class) Eloïse Savoie of HMCS Donnacona, who served in the long-term care facilities during the pandemic.

“We did not go there to become heroes. We went there to show up and stabilize the situation,” said Wilson.

The 14-minute film can be viewed here: 

Jour du Souvenir – l’Importance du Coquelicot – Remembrance Day – The Importance of The Poppy from Cat Around Films on Vimeo.