Inspired by Lt.-Col. John McCrae’s famous poem In Flanders Fields, France’s “poppy lady” Madame Anna Guérin approached Canada’s Great War Veterans Association and suggested it adopt the poppy to help veterans financially.
The association thought this was a great way to support veterans and remember those men who had died fighting in the First World War. So, on July 6, 1921, the association — which unified in 1925 with other veterans’ groups to form the Canadian Legion — adopted the poppy as a flower of remembrance.
Since then, the legion, its branches, and its members have worked to uphold this tradition of remembrance and use the poppy to honour the country’s fallen military personnel and recognize veterans of all ages today.
While the poppy’s centennial celebration quietly began at the beginning of this year, the Royal Canadian Legion officially recognized the flower’s anniversary on July 6, 2021, with announcements across the country and many government and civilian organizations lighting up buildings and statues in red.
In Moose Jaw, Tourism Moose Jaw lit up Mac the Moose in red while the legion building on High Street West was bathed in crimson.
“There’s not many things that you can have been around for 100 years,” legion president Roy LaBuick said.
“To have something like this, back in 1921, thought of as our flower of remembrance — and it’s still going strong after 100 years — that showed a lot of vision for those veterans that decided on this … . I don’t see any reason why it can’t be another 100 years and then some.”
LaBuick thought the poppy was one of the most recognizable emblems and held just as much importance as the national flag.
The poppy is important since it helps Canadians remember everyone who has served, those who gave their lives, and those veterans alive today, he continued. The poppy is also a reminder that Canadians should engage in remembrance all year-round instead of just November.
To help civilians celebrate the poppy’s 100th birthday, the legion is selling a limited-edition pin that is reminiscent of the first Remembrance poppy distributed after the First World War. Assembled in Canada, this commemorative pin is roughly 2.5 inches long and sells for $9.95.
Moose Jaw’s legion Branch No. 59 is looking at how it can celebrate the poppy for the entire year, said LaBuick. The poppy committee is thinking of bringing back a veterans’ lunch to honour those individuals who have served, while the organization is looking at whether it can hold a full Remembrance Day service that would incorporate the poppy in a larger way.
LaBuick has appreciated the support the community has given to honour the poppy. He appreciated Tourism Moose Jaw lighting up Mac the Moose in red, while he was equally thrilled with the support that the City of Moose Jaw has provided.
As for everyday civilians, the legion president thought they should attempt to remember veterans’ sacrifices regularly.
“We may not know what it’s like to serve our country as civilians, but it’s always nice to learn from our veterans,” LaBuick said. “(This includes) what they can teach us, what they’re willing to teach us, some of the things they’ve done, some of the places they’ve gone, and the jobs they can do.”
Civilians may not ever experience being away from their families for six months as military personnel sometimes do, but they can attempt to understand better the challenges veterans face to show solidarity, LaBuick added. He did not serve but joined the legion to serve veterans that way — an action that residents should consider doing as well.
Visit www.legion.ca/remembrance/poppy-100-anniversary for more information.
