If you walk around Toronto, Vancouver or any other Canadian city today, or any other day in late October or early November in any given year, you’ll notice something. Most people walk down the street, into business meetings and pretty much everywhere with poppies attached to their clothing.
So what do the poppies represent? They’re a symbol of remembrance. Just like November 11 is Veterans Day in the US, in Canada it’s Remembrance Day. Both serve the same purpose – remembering those that fought for their country during World War I and II. But the way this day is seen in Canada is different.
Each year, the Royal Canadian Legion, the largest veterans organization in Canada, distributes poppies in their Poppy Campaign. It engages the public, and reminds us all to never forget those who sacrificed their lives to fight for the country. While the poppy is a symbol of remembrance in other places too, in Canada, it’s more visible than in most. Many Canadians also remain silent for a minute at 11:11 to remember.
Poppies are available all over the place throughout Canada – from drug stores and banks to restaurants and C-stores. Along with the poppies is a donation box – those taking one are expected to put in a donation, whatever they want or can afford to give, in the attached box. The money provides assistance to veterans who need it.
So how does it engage the public? Those wearing a poppy feel they are part of something special. You gain pride in your country, and your fellow citizens who you see wearing them. And it is a visible symbol that makes you stop, even for just a few seconds, to remember those who made the kind of lives we lead today possible.
Of course, this happens in other places too on November 11. But in Canada, the veterans clearly benefit by getting needed monetary support from poppy donations. In addition, the visibility and the pride the poppies help instill make everyone aware this is an occasion the whole community is a part of.
