Hopefully by now, every Canadian knows why we wear a poppy.
Thanks in part to Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, and his poem In Flander’s Fields, the poppy has been used to help us always remember those who died in battle, protecting the freedoms that we enjoy today.
My question today is, do you know how to wear a poppy?
First of all, let’s talk about the poppy campaign. Poppies are available each year, from the last Friday in October to Nov. 11. There are two main reasons why the campaign is only about two weeks long.
First of all, the impact of the poppy would be diminished if they were available all year long. When poppies are only available for two weeks a year, it is much more noticeable.
The second reason is that we try not to compete with the fundraising efforts of the numerous other groups in Canada.
Donations during the poppy campaign annually raise more than $14 million for the support of veterans and their families.
Now on to the correct way to wear a poppy. It should be worn on the left chest, just above your heart – not on your hat, or your sleeve, or any other place.
Out of respect and remembrance, we wear the poppy as close to the heart as possible.
In the same way, since the poppy is a sacred symbol of remembrance, it should not be altered in any way.
Using any other fastening device in the centre of the poppy to attach it to your clothing is also not allowed. A common practice is using a small Canadian Flag pin in the centre.
Although this is a great way to keep the poppy on, it covers up the black centre piece in the poppy.
We all know that the standard straight pin does a terrible job of holding the poppy on, but you can use other tricks such as small pieces of eraser, or elastic bands on the pin to keep it from falling off.
There is also a metal lapel poppy pin available for purchase with the words “We Remember” underneath, that can also be worn in place of the traditional poppy. For children, there is a poppy sticker that can be easily applied to clothing.
What do you do with your poppy after Remembrance Day? Well, you can pin your poppy to one of the wreaths that have been laid at the cenotaphs in your community.
After the remembrance ceremony has completed on Nov. 11, and the parade has marched on past, you are welcome to approach the cenotaph and place your poppy.
When doing so, please take a moment to thank those that served their country.
Although you may want to continue to wear your poppy after Nov. 11, we would prefer if you did not. Other than a few special circumstances – such as the funeral of a veteran – the poppy is only to be worn during the poppy campaign.
So, the next time you see a poppy box, take one – and if you can, give a donation.
The Legion would love to see everyone in Canada wearing a poppy, every day during the poppy campaign – just above your heart!
For more information on the Legion and the poppy campaign, visit www.legion.ca, or www.eloralegion.ca.
