Wearing the poppy: What it means and how to wear it properly

This Remembrance Day, employees at Canadian McDonald’s restaurants will be allowed to sport poppies behind the counter thanks to a small, but novel addition to the symbolic pin. (Lars Hagberg / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Since 1921, the poppy has stood as a national symbol of remembrance.

Every year, starting on the last Friday of October, (this Friday) Canadians wear the flowering plant as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s veterans and remember those who sacrificed their lives.

The red flower, inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ is the symbol of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign.

How to wear your poppy

According to Royal Canadian Legion members, a poppy is worn on the left side, over the heart. It shouldn’t be covered with a pin that obstructs the flower in any way.

The lapel poppy is worn during the ‘remembrance period,’ which starts this Friday and runs until Nov. 11.

When a poppy is removed, it should be stored 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,” stated the Royal Canadian Legion on its website.

As of Jan. 1, 2024, members of the Barrie Legion Branch 147 on Vincent Street said their Poppy Campaign raised in excess of $139,000.

Money brought in through the local Poppy Campaign helps veterans and veteran families who need support. It also provides grants for food, heating costs, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances and equipment, essential home repairs, and emergency shelter.

Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service non-profit organization.

Poppies can be picked up at legion branches right across Simcoe County.

To learn more about the campaign, click here.