LONDON -- It's an 11-day tradition that honours Canadians who lost their lives in war.

Starting today, the Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy campaign will invite Londoners to pin a symbolic flower to their collars and lapels in the memory of fallen soldiers.

Robert Walsh, a London spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Legion, said headlines related to Canada's military focus extra attention on Remembrance Day.

"Ever since Canadians were sent to Afghanistan, there's been more public interest in the military," he said. "And in the past few years, hearing about our soldiers being killed in action seems to make the people want to give more."

Poppy boxes can be found at coffee shops, convenience stores and shopping centres.

Donations to the poppy campaign are mainly used to fund programs for senior veterans. Walsh said these programs offer financial assistance to veterans who are disabled or otherwise in need.

"For the most part, these are older military people who have fallen on hard times, for one reason or another," he said. "Through the poppy campaign, the public is able to provide support to these individuals."

The campaign also finances educational programs for Canadian youth. Walsh said several local schools participate in this program, in which students either write essays or make posters on the theme of remembrance.

Additional campaign funds go to hospitals and research institutions in the form of grants.

In November 2008, Londoners donated $100,000 to the campaign. Walsh believes the city will again show that kind of support this year.

"Last year, the economic downturn had already hit, so we expect that Londoners will continue to be as generous as they have been the past couple of years," Walsh said.

"Whether it's a toonie or $20 in the poppy box, people want to give whether their jobs are in danger or not.

"This campaign raises strong emotions in people."