The annual Poppy Campaign started this week as Legion members headed out to their local designated areas to offer poppies to Oliver store owners. This year, it is hoped that more than 18 million poppies will be proudly worn by Canadians between now and November 11th. .

“Every year, for two weeks, many Legion members volunteer their time to offer poppies to raise awareness. In Canada, the Poppy has stood as a visual symbol of our Remembrance since 1921. However, its presence over the graves of soldiers, and in the fields of honour, was noted as early as the 19th century after the Napoleonic Wars. The reason for its adoption over 100 years later in Canada was due to, in no small part, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae and his now famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”.

This poem, written in May, 1915 on the day following the death of a fellow soldier, would serve as inspiration three years later for an American teacher, Moina Michael, who made a personal pledge after reading the poem to always wear a Poppy as a sign of Remembrance. In 1920, during a visit to the United States, a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the custom and decided to sell handmade Poppies to raise money for the children in war-torn areas of the country. Following her example, the Poppy was officially adopted by the Great War Veteran’s Association in Canada as its Flower of Remembrance on July 5, 1921.

Though its history surely demonstrates the international connections of the Poppy, it is today that the importance of the Poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada is even more evident. Each November, these red flowers can be seen on the lapels and collars of so many, and this single act ensures that our memories of those who died in battle will remain strong.

The Poppy also serves as a symbol of unity for those who recognize the sacrifices that were made for their freedom, and it forges a bond between people of all ages, not only within Canada, but around the world. As well, donations received during the Oliver Poppy Campaign annually raise thousands of dollars for the support of Veterans and their families. Poppy Funds are held in trust and the usage is clearly defined. Bursaries are also awarded from the Poppy Trust Funds to students who are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Canadian Veterans and who are in need of assistance. These bursaries in Oliver are awarded yearly to graduating high school students who are continuing on to college or university.

So over the next 2 weeks when you see a Veteran or Legion member standing outside a store greet them with a smile and a thank you for all they have done and continue to do for our community. A sincere thank you to all the Oliver businesses who proudly support the Poppy Campaign by displaying a donation box in their store.

Submitted by

Kate Krist, Secretary
Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 97 Oliver