Hamilton cadet leader assaulted while distributing poppies

An assault had taken place at a restaurant at 1223 Barton Street East here in Hamilton. Reports was that it involved two young male youths and a 59-year-old man who was the victim of the assault. The incident began when the two youths approached some air cadets that were outside of the restaurant and they were collecting donations for Remembrance Day poppies. Two youths approached the cadets and blew a very loud air horn in their ears. Information to us was that the 59-year-old male who was supervising the cadets at the into the restaurant to confront them about their actions. What happened inside is that a struggle ensued between the male and the two youths, as well as an adult female who was not initially involved in the altercation. Looks like she jumped in to assist the two youths. She proceeded to assault our victim, causing him to fall to the ground. One of the male youths then struck our victim several times. What happened next is that the two youths and the female both fled the restaurant. It's incredibly tragic. This has happened. The wearing of the poppy, it's a time-honored tradition here in Canada. It's a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who have served, continue to serve, and most importantly, for those that have sacrificed their lives for our country. This incident, I can tell you, is deeply disturbing and disappointing, particularly given the significance of the poppy and what it represents and us approaching Remembrance Day.