Remembrance Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae

History of the Poppy

Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This significance of the Poppy can be traced to international origins.
The association of the Poppy to those who had been killed in war has existed since the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, over 110 years before being adopted in Canada. There exists a record from that time of how thickly Poppies grew over the graves of soldiers in the area of Flanders, France. This early connection between the Poppy and battlefield deaths described how fields that were barren before the battles exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.
Just prior to the First World War, few Poppies grew in Flanders. During the tremendous bombardments of that war, the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing “popaver rhoes” to thrive. When the war ended, the lime was quickly absorbed and the Poppy began to disappear again.
The person who was responsible more than any other for the adoption of the Poppy as a symbol of Remembrance in Canada and the Commonwealth was Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian Medical Officer during the First World War.

Why should I wear a Poppy?

When you wear a Poppy or display a Wreath, you honour the war dead and help ex-service personnel and their dependents.

Who should wear a Poppy?

Everyone should be encouraged to war a Poppy, as it is a way for all Canadians to honour the memory of the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives in the defence of freedom. This freedom, however, also means having the right to chose and it is a person’s right not to wear a Poppy if they choose not to.

When is a Poppy worn?

Traditionally, the Poppy is worn during the Remembrance period, which is from the last Friday in October to the end of the day on 11 November.

Poppies may also be worn at other commemorative events throughout the year, such as the Battle of the Atlantic , the Battle of Britain, a memorial service, at a Legion Convention and other similar occasions.

The Poppy may also be worn by Colour Parties when on parade and by members attending funeral services for veterans or Ordinary members.

How is the Poppy worn?

The Poppy is always worn on the left breast, close to the heart.

When wearing standard Legion dress, the lapel Poppy is worn on the left lapel immediately above the Legion lapel badge.

When wearing summer dress, the lapel Poppy is worn on the shirt, immediately above and centered on the shirt crest.

In inclement weather, the lapel Poppy is worn on the left side of the outer garment.

Can I attach the Poppy to clothing with another type of pin?

There have been many queries related to the wearing of the lapel Poppy, specifically as it related to using a Canada flag pin or other such fastening device in the center of the Poppy.

It is the position of the Legion that the Poppy is the sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be defaced in any way. No other pin, therefore, should be used to attach it to clothing.

While this should be the practice of all Legionnaires, it is recognized that the Legion cannot control its form of wear by the public. It is undoubtedly better to wear a Poppy with a Canadian flag in the center than not to wear a Poppy at all. The best that we can do is to encourage Legionnaires to wear it properly.

Are other types of Poppies available?

The Legion currently has a metal lapel Poppy pin with the words” We Remember” in a bottom banner. A Poppy sticker suitable for wear on clothing is also available.

When should a Poppy be removed?

The lapel Poppy may be worn throughout the whole of the Remembrance period. However, many people place their Poppy at the based of the cenotaph in respect at the end of the Remembrance Day Ceremony. This is fully acceptable.

Is the Poppy centre green or black?

The centre of the Lapel Poppy was originally black but was changed to green more than twenty years ago. In 2002, the centre was changed back to black to reflect the colours of the Poppies in Flanders – a red flower with a black centre. It is intended that the black centre will remain as the standard for the production of all future Poppy material.  

The Poppy Banner.

The Poppy Banner may be flown at all Legion branches during the Remembrance period.

Why Wear a Poppy Poem by Don Crawford

“Please wear a Poppy”, the lady said and held one forth, but I shook my head, Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, And her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on carefree feet,  His smile was full of joy and fun: “Lady”, said he, “May I have one”? When she pinned it on he turned to say, “Why do we wear a poppy today”?

The lady smiled in her wistful way, And answered, “This is Remembrance Day, And the poppy there is a symbol for The gallant men who died in war, And because they did, you and I are free, That’s why we wear the poppy, you see”.

I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird he would race about. As the years went by he learned and grew, And became a man – as you will, too.

But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray. His letters told of the awful fight, (I can see it still in my dreams at night) With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, and the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

“Till at last, at last, the war was won – And that’s why we wear a poppy, son.” The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, “Thanks lady, I’m glad to know, That sure did sound like an awful fight, But your son – did he come back all right?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek: She shook her head but didn’t speak. I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me you’d have done the same: For our thanks, in giving, is often delayed Through our freedom was bought And thousands paid.

And so when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne, By those who gave their very all, When asked to answer their country’s call. That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy,   Remember   And give. Don Crawford credit: http://www.legion118.com/poppy/poppy.htm