Remembrance Day Is Almost Here & There's 'Poppy Protocol' You Likely Didn't Even Know Existed
Always make sure you remove a poppy properly.👇
A poppy. Right: A Canadian flag and poppies.
Remembrance Day in Canada is honoured on November 11 and wearing a poppy is an important act to show respect for our veterans.
According to the Royal Canadian Legion, almost 20 million poppies are expected to be handed out this year — but did you know there's an actual "poppy protocol" that should be followed wherever possible?
From wearing it in the right spot to what you should do if you find a lost poppy, here are some of the unofficial rules from the Legion that you should probably brush up on.
Where should you wear the poppy?
You should always wear it on the left side of your chest so that it's over your heart, according to the Legion.
This means you shouldn't put it on your purse, hat, backpack or anywhere else on your body, if possible.
Don't cover it up
This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure the poppy is fully visible when you're wearing it.
According to the Legion, the poppy is "a sacred symbol of Remembrance" and the pin that you secure it to your clothing with shouldn't obstruct any part of the flower.
When do you wear the poppy?
The right time to don your poppy is from the last Friday in October until November 11, but there are also other instances where it's appropriate to wear it.
"The Legion encourages the wearing of Poppies at funerals of Veterans, and for any commemorative event such as a memorial service, or the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge," they said.
However, the Legion adds that "it is not inappropriate to wear a Poppy during other times to commemorate Fallen Veterans and it is an individual choice to do so."
What do you do with the poppy after Remembrance Day?
While some choose to remove their poppy at the end of the day on November 11, others choose to take it off after the Remembrance Day ceremony.
It can be placed on a wreath or cenotaph, like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, or should be stored or disposed of in a respectful manner.
What do you do with lost poppies?
If you find a lost poppy on the ground (it happens!), make sure you pick it up and dust it off. You can either keep it in storage to use for another time or dispose of it respectfully.
While none of these are official rules, it's how the Legion would like the poppies to be treated, wherever possible. They do, however, note that "how someone chooses to wear a Poppy is always an individual choice."
The main thing is to wear it respectfully!
When is Remembrance Day in Canada?
Remembrance Day is honoured on November 11 in Canada.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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