Local veterans were honoured at the 19th annual Poppy Dinner on Tuesday evening.
The chicken dinner prepared by the Orillia Legion Branch 34 Ladies Auxiliary was served to veterans as a way to thank them for their service.
Kate Palmer, the secretary of the poppy committee, says the event was born out of the United Nations proclamation that declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran.
"We've been doing it every year since," she explained. "It's a really casual event where we invite all the area veterans to come out, enjoy dinner with us, and enjoy the comradeship."
Palmer says the dinner doesn't feature a fixed program or long speeches; it's meant to be a casual night out for veterans to spend time with their friends.
"We owe our veterans everything," Palmer said. "We should be thanking them every day of the year for what they've done for us."
When the Poppy Dinner began in what was formerly known as the Normandy Room, around 140 veterans and their caregivers or spouses attended the event. This year, only 60 attended.
"The numbers have declined," Palmer acknowledged. "However, we still do it and will continue to do it as long as there are veterans."
Palmer says a second dinner or luncheon event may be added in the spring to show support for veterans. The Poppy Dinner events are funded by money raised in the community through the poppy campaign.
"A lot of the veterans don't get out a lot and they don't socialize," she said. "It's about getting them to come out, meeting people, and having a good time."
Palmer says the feedback on the event among veterans is always positive.
"We have veterans who have been coming back for years," she said. "Those who I've talked to really enjoy it and want to know when it's going to happen again."
Rick Crouch, an Orillia veteran who served from 1962 to 1967 as a radar ground technician, says the dinner is a fantastic idea.
"I've met people here who I've never seen before," he said. "It also brings me back together with some of my oldest friends."
Crouch, 81, has been attending the dinner for seven years. He says the atmosphere is friendly.
"That's what the Legion is all about," he said. "This is something I look forward to every year."
Sitting with Crouch was Don MacKenzie, an Orillia army veteran who served from 1960 to 1986. He has been attending the Poppy Dinner since its inception.
"It raises awareness for what's coming up on Nov. 11," he said. "It's also a chance for us to see old friends."
MacKenzie also enjoys the comradeship of the dinner and making new friends like Crouch.
"I had never met Rick before tonight," he explained. "Every year when I come to this dinner, I end up sitting with a veteran I didn't know before. It's a good thing."
MacKenzie says he appreciates everyone who donates to the poppy campaign each year, which allows for the dinner to happen.
"I think it's a great little thank you," he said. "There has got to be more awareness for the poppy and what veterans are. We are here today because of the Canadian lives that were lost for our freedom."
