This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada.
The idea to adopt the poppy came from Madame Anna Guérin, who was inspired by John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields”. She had the idea to distribute the poppies on Armistice Day, as a way to raise money to support World War I veterans and remember those fallen.
The Great War Veterans Association (which would go on to become the Royal Canadian Legion) adopted the poppy as the flower of remembrance in 1925. Guérin went on to be called “The Poppy Lady From France”.
President of the Legion Provincial Command for Nova Scotia/Nunavut Comrade Donna McRury discussed the significance of the poppy.
“The poppy is a visual pledge to never forget those who sacrificed for our freedom,” says McRury. “It’s a way to show respect and take a look at everybody that has signed their name on the dotted line, every veteran. They have given so much and ask for so little in return.”
The annual Poppy Campaign also started yesterday.
McRury says the funds generated from the Poppy Campaign go to a “Poppy Trust Fund”
“And that Poppy Trust Fund provides financial assistance and support to veterans, including the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families who are in need,” says McRury. “It also provides bursaries for the veteran’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Poppy Trust Fund supports veterans daily.”
McRury says they ask any veteran in need to reach out to any branch of the Legion.
Remembrance Day is Thursday, November 11th.
