The Poppy Campaign

Dave's been off playing War Games locked inside a mountain all week. I've barely seen him. But when I do, I can't help but notice his bright red poppy.

It was given to him by one of his Canadian Military counterparts that works alongside him in the surgeons office.

When he can't wear the poppy on his uniform, I've seen it on his work bag.

I can tell he respects this tradition and obviously what this poppy represents. So of course, I want explanations.

Not having much time for conversation lately - he summed up by telling me to google "In Flanders Fields" . . . . .

So you don't have to google yourselves, I'll share what I learned:

The use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance comes from a poem written by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor serving in the military. The poem is called In Flanders Fields and describes the poppies growing in the Flemish graveyards where soldiers were buried.

In Flanders Fields
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.

Each November, Poppies blossom on the lapels and collars of over half of Canada’s entire population. Since 1921, the Poppy has stood as a symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians who have fallen in war and military operations. The Poppy also stands internationally as a “symbol of collective reminiscence”, as other countries have also adopted its image to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The official start of the Poppy Campaign is the last Friday in October and runs until November 11.