THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 644., WINDSOR, ON
Ambassador & Walkerville
THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 644., WINDSOR, ON
Ambassador & Walkerville
The History
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 (our predecessor) as its Flower of Remembrance on July 5, 1921.
The Poppy's Importance
Although 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.
Thus, 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 Poppy Campaign annually raise more than $14 million for the support of Veterans and their families. Poppy Funds are held in trust and the usage is clearly defined.
Lapel Poppies
The lapel Poppies that are worn in Canada today were first made, beginning in 1922, by disabled Veterans under the sponsorship of the Department of Soldiers Civil Re-establishment. Until 1996, Poppy material was made at the "Vetcraft" sheltered workshops run by Veterans Affairs Canada in Montreal and Toronto. The work provided a small source of income for disabled Veterans and their families, allowing them to take an active part in maintaining the tradition of Remembrance.When it no longer became practical for Veterans Affairs Canada to maintain the "Vetcraft" operations, the Legion volunteered to take on the continuing responsibility for the production of Poppies. In so doing, Dominion Command has awarded a production contract to a Canadian company to produce the Poppies. All operations are conducted under strict Legion control and oversight.
Honouring the Past
As part of our Mission, The Legion strives to ensure that the deeds of those who fell are not forgotten. Whether it is through our promotion and organization of Remembrance Day events across the country, our annual Poppy Campaign, the creation and care of memorials like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the preservation of the records and memories of fallen heroes, youth education or many of the other activities we are involved in, we honour the past.
Respecting the Present
Of course, it is not only to honour the fallen that we observe Remembrance Day each and every year.
As part of our observance, we also acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of both the Veterans including currently serving. In fact, through the generosity of Canadians who take part in our Poppy Campaign,
we are able to serve Veterans and their families on a daily basis.
Fostering the Future
"In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow"Summarizing the fear of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in 1915 that he, like so many others, would be forgotten and their death would be in vain, "In Flanders Fields", like the poppies it speaks of, has grown to be a part of not only the thoughts of soldiers, but also those who honour them. Continuing to educate youth through Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae and his famous work, along with many other programs, ensures that Remembrance holds meaning each and every day, not just on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
