For the first time, the Poppy Flag was raised on Nov. 8 at the Cochrane RancheHouse in recognition of Poppy Week.

Legionnaires Andy Bower and Keith Gullons appreciate the town making the opportunity available, especially in a year that marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy being the symbol of remembrance in Canada.

"Town council and Cochrane itself have definitely supported the Legion and veterans," says Gullons, who served 12 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. "Some of the businesses have also helped support the Legion in Cochrane, and I'm happy with the lot of them."

Taking time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by veterans to protect the freedom of our nation is near and dear to the heart of Gullons.

"In 1976, I served seven months in Egypt peacekeeping, and unfortunately, it was a whole different world there. I saw a lot of death that bothered me a lot and still does. It will stick with me forever."

Gullons says he continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from his time serving our nation. He says he's doing his best but isn't quite the same person he use to be.

"I served in Egypt, long before Afghanistan, and I have so much pity for the people that had to go to Afghanistan that never came back, and all the soldiers that never came back, and for the soldiers that did come back and were never the same."

Bowyer says the Poppy Flag will fly for the entire week and will be lowered to half-mast on Remembrance Day, along with the Canadian, Alberta, and town flag at the RancheHouse.