Remembrance Day 2018

Our son asked us last year how we got our poppies every year … you notice he didn’t say do you wear poppies in the states, he knew we would 🙂 It was a good question because of course poppies are not a thing in the US. American’s recognize Veterans Day on November 11^th but I don’t think it is as big a deal as it is in Canada. However nobody can say the Americans do not celebrate their Veterans, they do, at every turn and I think it’s great, I wish we could see more of that at home!

But back to how we get our poppies. Poppies do not go on sale in Canada until the last Friday in October and we are usually long gone by then. Poppies are free but donations are gratefully accepted. The poppies are a red, plastic lined, felt flower with a black center and a straight pin. They are meant to be worn the way they are sold, but people will often attach them with a small Canadian flag so they are more secure.

In 2014 and 2016 we were home for Remembrance Day and knowing we would most likely not be there in following years we gave a very generous donation for two poppies, and wear them proudly while we are south for the winter. Of course when you wear them as they are intended they often fall off, although I secure mine with a rubber earring back which works great. 🙂  Last year hubby’s fell off on November 10th^h and he had to go without on Remembrance Day. I was able to get our daughter to make a donation for us and get us a few more poppies, which we used this year.

So you may wonder where the donated money goes?

The money collected provides financial assistance and support to Veterans, including Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families who are in need. Definitely a worthy cause so we have always generously donated.

Please spend some time today, whether you are Canadian or American, to remember our veterans and currently serving members. Honor their courage, service and sacrifices that have kept us strong, proud and free.

Hubby and I will be thinking of our son, who is a veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, and our daughter-in-law who stands proudly at his side. Today our son dons his dress uniform and attends services with his wife and children, which is followed up with a visit to the legion remembering and celebrating the friends he lost. Our daughter-in-law drops off their two children with her mother after the ceremony and then also heads to the legion to ensure our son gets home safely … I love her for that!

Some people wonder … if they have made a difference in the lives of others…. A soldier never has to!