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As Canadians prepare to mark Remembrance Day, the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign is once again putting a familiar symbol of remembrance into the hands of millions of people across the country.
The red poppy serves as a reminder of the Canadians who sacrificed their lives in military service, as well as those who continue to serve and those who returned home carrying the physical and emotional effects of war.
The campaign traditionally runs from the last Friday in October until November 11th, although poppies may be available earlier in some communities. Volunteers distribute them at shopping centres, businesses, schools and community events, giving Canadians an opportunity to show their support for veterans and their families.
While the poppy is offered at no charge, donations are encouraged. Money raised helps fund Legion programs and services for veterans, including financial assistance, housing support and other forms of aid for former service members and their dependants. Local Legion branches also use poppy funds to support eligible veterans and community initiatives in accordance with Legion guidelines.
Carleton Place Poppy Chair Jorma Hamalainen says the strong controls Legion Branches exert over Poppy funds mean Canadians can donate with confidence their money will go to where its needed.
The campaign has a long history. The poppy became a powerful symbol of remembrance following the First World War, inspired in part by the flowers that grew across the battlefields of Europe. Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, helped cement that connection in the public imagination.
Today, wearing a poppy is a simple gesture with a deeper meaning: remembering those who served, recognizing the cost of freedom and ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Hamalainen reminds us, there is only one place to wear your poppy.
As Remembrance Day approaches, the Legion encourages Canadians to wear their poppies with pride and take time on November 11th to pause, reflect and remember. Hear our complete conversation with Hamalainen below.
Story by Brian Turner
