Ottawa man has been handing out poppies at airport since 2015
Down the escalator and next to the waterfall wall inside the Ottawa International Airport, you'll find Ian Burleton distributing poppies.
It's a spot Burleton has made famous with airport staff. Since 2015, he's greeted travellers every day in November leading up to Remembrance Day, from seven in the morning to, some nights, all the way past midnight, sharing the poppies' history.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"I think of the men who fought in the trenches, and World War Two, the men and women who gave up their lives," Burleton said.
Both Burleton's mother and father are veterans. Handing out poppies was something he and his mother Audrey, who served in the Royal Naval Women's Service, did together before she passed away in 2018.
Now he remembers and honours her by continuing to distribute poppies in the same spot she once did.
"She always believed in volunteering. I believe in volunteering too and to put back to the community the best of my ability to help veterans," he said. "The torch is in my direction, and I'm hoping to be as long as possible, giving my time with the legion."
Burleton has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Manotick for 41 years, volunteering his time and raising money.
He says that while he's always blown away by the amount of donations and support that he receives, he hopes the poppies inspire people to educate themselves and others on its history and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"There's hope for the next generation that they understand what it means. We cannot cover it with a sugar coat, but we have to try to explain to the younger generation what this means," Burleton says.
"If you educate someone, we will not have to experience war. I'm hoping for peace, but only time will tell."
Burleton will be at the airport until Nov. 10 collecting donations, before joining in the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police
A suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store after two people were injured in a stabbing Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
2 Canadians confirmed dead in Poland, as consular officials gather information
Two Canadians have died following an incident in Poland, CTV News has learned.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls Donald Trump 'funny guy' in Fox News interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. president-elect Donald Trump a 'funny guy' on Wednesday in an interview with Fox News for his comment that Canada should become the United States's 51st state.
Toddler fatally shot after his 7-year-old brother finds a gun in the family's truck
A two-year-old boy was fatally shot when his seven-year-old brother found a gun in the glovebox of the family's truck in Southern California, authorities said.
DEVELOPING As police search for suspect, disturbing video surfaces after U.S. health-care CEO gunned down in New York
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
Millions in Cuba remain in dark after nationwide blackout
Cuba said it was generating only enough electricity to cover about 1/6th of peak demand late on Wednesday, hours after its national grid collapsed leaving millions without power.
'Utterly absurd': Freeland rebuffs Poilievre's offer of two hours to present fall economic statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has rebuffed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's offer to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to present the awaited fall economic statement as 'utterly absurd.'
Canada Post stores continue to operate during strike — but why?
As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open.
Mattel sued over 'Wicked' dolls with porn website link
Mattel was sued this week by a South Carolina mother for mistakenly putting a link to an adult film site on the packaging for its dolls tied to the movie 'Wicked.'