A red poppy has become a beloved symbol of remembrance for many of us here in Canada. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by our veterans, who gave so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. A touching story behind this symbol makes it even more special.
In 1921, an extraordinary woman named Madame Anna Guérin of France who lived through the pain and destruction left by war wanted to find a way to honour the fallen. She created fabric poppies, inspired by John McCrae’s moving poem “In Flanders Fields,” to remember the soldiers and raise money to help rebuild their homeland. Her idea crossed the sea to reach Canada, and here it flourished again.
On July 6, 1921, the Royal Canadian Legion adopted the poppy as the national symbol of remembrance in Port Arthur, Ontario. Since then, every November, millions of Canadians wear the red poppy as a way to show gratitude and respect for those who bravely left everything to defend our freedoms.
But wearing a poppy is more than a tradition; it is a time to pause and reflect. It is about honouring the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the men and women who fight for our country. By wearing the poppy, we show our empathy for those who have shaped our nation's history.
As we pin that little red flower on our jackets, let us carry its message in our hearts. Let us remember those who served, honour their sacrifices and cherish their stories. The poppy is a beautiful reminder that even in times of grief, love and remembrance can still bloom strongly.
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