Poppy salute for soldiers

Photo: Kate Bouey

Amanda Shatzko with one of the poppy creations.

Five large poppy sculptures, painted a brilliant red, sit on the grounds of Vernon Secondary School.

A Legion colour guard marked the start of a short but moving outdoor ceremony Thursday as students and dignitaries stood by the poppies, which now serve as visible reminder of the lives lost and the wars fought by Canadians.

“These beautiful pieces of art are reminders of the brave Canadians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Canadians and people around the world,” said a statement from North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold.

With the help of students, the poppies were created by artist Amanda Shatzko, herself a VSS grad.

Cast in concrete, the poppies are very heavy.

Shatzko thanked members of the school's football team for their help in moving pieces of the 750-pound flowers into place.

Images sit inside the creations. They include female and Sikh members of the armed forces that have been detailed with phosphorescent paint so the images glow in the dark.

“(The images) are the essence and soul of the veterans and those who gave their lives for our freedom,” Shatzko told the gathering.

School District 22 Supt. Joe Rogers said the project helped “students to understand the sacrifices that thousands of Canadian men and women have made and continue to make.”

A grant of almost $50,000 was obtained from Heritage Canada’s World War Commemorations community fund to pay for the project.

Representing the City of Vernon, Coun. Dalvir Nahal explained the importance of the project to the Sikh community.

“About 500,000 Punjabis fought in World War One. To us, it's a huge honour. It's very emotional.”