by Mary Rozenberg
The Mississippi Mills Poppy Project is a collaborative community project of Remembrance to honour and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Canadian Veterans and current-serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
This project was inspired by a visit in 2019 to the town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick; where at this time of year, poppies adorn the light posts on Water Street, in the heart of the town.
The project in Mississippi Mills started with an invitation to knitters and crocheters … then as the poppies began to arrive, members of the community were invited to “Tie One (or 2 or 3) On” at FibreFest in September, at the Mississippi Mills Open House the following week, and at the Almonte Public Library and the Pakenham Public Library.
Poppies were knitted and crocheted by a dedicated and talented team of community volunteers – a stunning tribute to our region’s veterans and service members. We surpassed our initial goal of 10,000; 10,826 poppies were created and submitted to this project.
Over 300 people participated in this project by either creating the poppies, by carefully tying poppies on to deer netting, and/or tacking the poppies so that each could remain in full bloom no matter the weather, and installing the poppy displays.
Poppy displays can be found in the following locations across Mississippi Mills:
- Almonte Cenotaph
- Pakenham Cenotaph
- Clayton Cenotaph
- Almonte Train Wreck Memorial
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 Almonte
- Mississippi Mills Fire Department Station – Almonte
- Almonte Public Library
- Pakenham Public Library
- Pakenham Public School
- Ottawa Valley Family Physicians Clinic
- Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
- The Hub
- Almonte General Hospital – Rosamond Wing
- Almonte General Hospital Foundation Office
- Almonte General Hospital Emergency Department
- Fairview Manor
- Almonte Country Haven
- Almonte Country Street Apartments
- Orchardview
- Five Arches – Pakenham
- Clayton Seniors Housing – Linn Bower
- John Levi Community Centre – Almonte
- Stewart Community Centre – Pakenham
A heartfelt Thank You to each and every person who participated in this collaborative community project of remembrance. Each poppy represents our individual and collective gratitude for those who have served and to those who serve; remembering all gave some, some gave all.
With Sincere Gratitude
Mary Rozenberg
Project Coordinator
