Even a bizarre flag theft couldn’t put a damper on Remembrance Day ceremony preparations this year.
Bob Miller, vice president of the Royal Canadian Legion branch No. 291 in Richmond, discovered the ceremonial flags missing Friday night. The flags, including the Canadian flag, the ladies' auxiliary standards and the banner bearing the legion's insignia, were stored inside ski bags in a locked storage container.
Community organizations including scout groups, the Richmond Oval and other legions responded to news of the theft with flag donations. The contributions were so numerous, the legion had to turn some away.
“We started getting calls from people [asking] ‘What can we do to help? We understand your dilemma, do you need flags?’” said John Kane, vice chair of the Remembrance Day committee.
Kane said the legion members “were kind of shocked” at the outpouring of support in advance of the Remembrance Day parade.
“This time of year most flags are being used by most branches,” Kane said. “It's pretty hard for them to give them up.”
Miller said two of the flags made particularly for this branch cannot be replaced and asked that they be returned.
“Just give us a call down here at the legion,” Miller said. We'll be glad to come and pick ‘em up.”
With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Norma Reid.
