Every fall during my elementary school years when WW II was only a decade past, into our one-room school limped Mr. Butson, the poppy man. Dressed in his navy blazer adorned with medaled ribbons, gray pants and a veteran’s tam, he arrived bearing bright red poppies for us to wear and sell. Although he seemed old to me, he was probably in his late fifties or early sixties.
Throughout my years at school (SSS#4 Hibbert), Mr. Butson’s annual visit left a deep impression on me. His dedication to the poppy drive piqued my interest in the war, veterans and Remembrance Day. He was interested in our education and to this point, he avidly promoted our participation in the Royal Canadian Legion Public Speaking Contest. Through this initiative and the work of our dedicated teacher, Mrs. Melady, many of us students benefitted by learning the rudiments of elocution and participated in annual speaking contests at the township, county and provincial levels. Mr. Butson attended every event, smiling from the sidelines at our diligence and progress.
Right to the present time, every Remembrance Day, my thoughts roll back to Mr. Butson. He taught eager groups of students through both his words and his memorable presence about valor, sacrifice and love of country. Thanks to him, I can recite with nostalgia Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.” How could I ever forget the fallen soldiers’ plea, “If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.”
Thank you, Mr. Butson. We won’t ever forget. - Sr. Jean Moylan, csj
