In the heart of downtown Port Arthur stands the majestic Prince Arthur Hotel. Over the years it has been host to many distinguished guests and special events; however few bear the patriotic and historic significance of The Great War Veterans Association Convention held there in July 1921. It was at this meeting that Madame Guerin (“The Poppy Lady of France”) proposed that poppies be worn on Armistice Day (November 11) as a way of remembering and showing support to our Canadian and allied veterans.

In honour of this momentous occasion, in 1991 the Port Arthur Branch 5 of the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of Royal Canadian Legion presented the Prince Arthur Hotel with a commemorative plaque which is proudly displayed in the hotel lobby.

(Poppy image courtesy of Canadian War Museum CWM 19720228-001)