The Royal Canadian Legion poppy campaign is underway. This is the time when the poppy is worn, from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day, November 11. Did you know about the Thunder Bay connection regarding the poppy?
A conference of the Great War Veterans Association was held at the Prince Arthur Hotel on July 4th, 1921 and the poppy was picked as the flower of remembrance for soldiers killed in the Great War. The first Poppy Day took place later that year on November 11th, proposed by Madame Guerin, called “The Poppy Lady of France.” A plaque commemorating the event can be seen at the hotel.
According to etiquette, the poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. Look for the new poppy donation boxes or donate online.
The poppy was chosen as a symbol of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Field, written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.
Photo credit: Canadian War Museum
