Poppies are worn with pride throughout the Remembrance period – the last Friday in October until Nov. 11 - in honour of veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion encourages Canadians to be respectful of the lapel poppy and to wear it correctly.
Poppies should be worn on the left side of the chest – over the heart – and should not be secured by any other pins besides the one already attached.
They can be worn until the evening of Remembrance Day, but often ceremony participants remove their poppies to place them on the cenotaph or on a wreath as a sign of respect following the service.
The legion encourages anyone who finds fallen poppies on the ground to pick them up and brush them off so they can be disposed of respectfully.
The black-centered red flower can also be worn on other occasions such as funerals of veterans, memorial services, the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge or other occasions that commemorate fallen soldiers.
Although poppies are free, donations are always welcome as the funds directly support Canada’s veterans and their families.
– Valerie Leung, Richmond News
