The Poppy is a powerful symbol of Remembrance.

From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, millions of Canadians wear a Poppy as a visual pledge to never forget those who served and sacrificed. The red flower also is the symbol of the Legion's Poppy Campaign, raising funds to support Veterans and their families in need. We invite everyone at the Branch and across the country to show their recognition by proudly wearing this symbol of Remembrance.

The torch; be yours to hold it high

"In Flanders Fields" is a poem written during the First World War by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae after he presided over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war and the importance of carrying on their memories.

In Flanders Fields
by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

May 3, 1915

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.

(As published in Punch Magazine, December 8, 1915)

Wear a Poppy to honour and remember Canada's Veterans

Pinning poppy to manHow to wear your Poppy

The Legion’s lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with a pin that obstructs the Poppy. The Poppy should be worn on the left side, over the heart.

Child laying poppyWhen to wear your Poppy

The lapel Poppy should be worn during the Remembrance period, from the last Friday in October until November 11. The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Pinning a poppyHow to remove a Poppy

When a Poppy is removed, it should be stored appropriately, or disposed of respectfully. We encourage anyone who finds a Poppy that has fallen to the ground to pick it up, brush it off, wear it or dispose of it with respect.

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