“THANK GOD FOR POPPIES”

Recorded by “Hughes & Wilson” on the RARE Records label

What started as a conversation about whether or not the younger generations actually understand the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance turned into a full-length CD distributed, in part, through The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command.  It combines songs that Rick has written over the years with new material that all pays tribute to our armed forces and their families, and raises the flag of patriotism for all to embrace. 

            Rick and Belinda were actually in the middle of their next project, when “Thank God for Poppies” was written, and subsequently took off.  The original project was put on hold in order that the 11-song CD could be recorded and ready for the various levels of Legion conventions to consider.

           Shooting began early in April of 2004, recreating a Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph in Fenelon Falls, and featuring the Colour Party and Executive of Rick and Belinda’s home branch, #238 of The Royal Canadian Legion.

            At a gala release on October 9, 2004, almost 200 family and friends crowded the Fenelon Falls Legion to see the video and hear the CD for the first time.  To say that the project was well-received is an understatement.  There were few dry eyes as the video came to a close, and as the songs on the CD rang out through the evening, congratulations and accolades rained down.

            The video is currently being used as a new way to educate public and high school students about the reality of war and the responsibility we all bear to remember the sacrifices made on our behalf.  And the whole album has become part of many Legion services over the Remembrance Day period.

   For more information or to purchase their CD, including the video, visit your link page.