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.