On April 30, 2023, I was honoured to attend the Manotick Legion’s Youth Education awards ceremony, where I met Connor Yeomans. I presented Connor with an award for a poem he wrote for last year’s Manotick Legion Remembrance Day art and literature contest. His poem is entitled, “Poppy’s Blow in the Winter Snow.” Connor wrote this as a 12-year-old grade 7 student at St. Francis Xavier High School in Riverside South, in my riding of Carleton. I am extremely proud on behalf of the Manotick Legion and all students in the Carleton riding to share Connor’s poem with everyone.

The poem goes as follows:

Lives lost, at a big cost

High risk, high reward,

But for others high risk and nothing to show

For all who had their life on the life

Thank you for showing us how to really shine

For the soldiers who fought for our nation,

We wear a poppy to show our appreciation

When we were in tears

Soldiers had no fears

That is why

Poppy’s blow in the winter snow.

Congratulations, Connor. You make everyone in Carleton very proud.