December 16, 2015 - Thousands of men and women from Port Arthur, Fort William, and the region served in the armed forces during the First World War. The Poppy was adopted as a national symbol of remembrance in Port Arthur at the Prince Arthur Hotel on July 6, 1921. To commemorate this significant piece of history, Thunder Bay has adopted the title "The City of the Poppy".

The City of Thunder Bay along with World War I Centennial Commemoration partners launched the City of the Poppy campaign today to showcase Thunder Bay's important role in the symbol of remembrance's history.

Planning began in 2014, and the campaign will continue into 2018 to coincide with WWI Centennial and Centennial of the Declaration of the Poppy. Mayor Hobbs unveiled the campaign at City Hall today along with Members of the Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Legions, Thunder Bay Military Museum, Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay Public Library.

To tell the story of the City of the Poppy, a commemorative brochure has been developed, 20 foot banners adorn the sides of your City Hall; and this week street banners will be going up to line Red River Road surrounding the Waverley Park Cenotaph and along the May Street portion of the designated Memorial Route leading to the Cenotaph here at City Hall, culminating in the large wall banners.

"We are the City of the Poppy - no other City can proudly celebrate this," said Mayor Keith Hobbs. "Thunder Bay City Council is committed to celebrating arts and heritage as a key contributor to quality of life in our City, as identified in our Becoming Our Best 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. One of our Strategic Goals is to celebrate key anniversaries that are a significant source of civic pride. The Centennial of the First World War, and the declaration of the City of the Poppy are extremely dear to this community, our citizens and families who played a significant role."

The historical photograph seen on the banners is the actual unveiling of the Cenotaph standing in MacGilvray Square in 1921. It is still a vital reminder of those who have sacrificed for us and continue to protect our lands - those we proudly wear the poppy for.

The City's Clean, Green and Beautiful Committee provided funding for the City of the Poppy campaign to celebrate civic pride and this significant piece of Thunder Bay's heritage.

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Contact:  John Hannam, City Clerk & Chair - WWI Commemoration Committee, 625-2238