How Many Poppies Have You Bought?

You don't buy poppies, you make donations when you take them. If you're really clever, you can pin a poppy roughly in place, then slide the pin back out of the center a bit so that you can pierce the rim of a petal with the point of the pin - and keep that poppy for years. Just add a donation each year when you start wearing it again. Mine still has a green center.

Here is the secret method for keeping your poppy in place. Take a rubber band, of medium width. Cut off a small piece and slide that little square of rubber up the stem of the poppy. Situation resolved at the cost of a rubber band.

You know, it struck me as I was reading that link that there is one other incidental benefit to the straight pin on the poppy: It makes you think about it more often. Like when you lose it, or when it pokes you in the neck. Many years ago as an army cadet, I learned very quickly not to lose my poppy from my uniform. In order to do so, you need to be conscious of it all the time. I think that there is an important, if unintended, meaning in that.

With the millions the Legion has available each year, Laura, I would think that you could buy a new one. Doesn't take that much energy to bend the pin. But, to each his own.
I like the large one with a suction cup that can be used on the window of your vehicle or home. Unfortunately I have only come across them a couple of times so do reuse it.
The poppy campaign is a great deal of work for a very few people as the numbers dwindle. I expect every community could use volunteers - I know ours could - and maybe some of the men and women who have served in the military since the Korean war could help. And, join.
Our Legion spearheaded adding the name of a local man who died in Afghanistan and rededicated the cenotaph and held a reception afterwards. It was very meaningful for the family. Then this month they gave a bursary in his name. The Legion in the community where his wife lived have also honoured him.
Buy a few poppies, and let them fall as a reminder of those who fell.
Also, if a deceased loved one served in the military, put a poppy on his grave.

I just bend my pin into a V. Works every time.

I just bend my pin into a V. Works every time.

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Typical of the Toronto Star to make light of an important ritual,
If you bend the pin slightly it will not come off, To place a canadian flag or other type of holder over the black center is improper also, although the person has meant well in all intention.
Where is the story on the White Poppy or Maybe
The Toronto Star should have been reminding Canadians to wear a Poppy & Why & on the left side, No the Star would rather complain about the Poppy Pin instead.
All to often i have seen the Poppy improperly worn & i will correct people, When i work on the Poppy Campaign for my local branch i will also ask if they would like me to pin it for them.
The Royal Canadian Legion Do not Sell the Poppy

I have one with a safety pin i buy a new one each year. When it falls out I go back to my green one.

Course this year I gave it to an RSM who left his in the car, saved him running back. I told him I'll just lose it any way.

And it does go for a good cause unlike the united way giving to the John Howard society.

Now we have a, get ready for this, Tim Hortons in Saskatoon (51st St) that wouldn't allow poppy sales on site.

You don't buy poppies, you make donations when you take them.

I like that thought.

I have to admit that I'm one of those people who uses a little Canadian flag to keep it in place – at this time of year I wear a leather jacket and there’s only a bit of material at the neck to which I can affix a poppy. Using the standard pin usually results in multiple painful jabs.

My soon-to-be-ex brother-in-law at one time worked for a company that claimed to be the sole supplier of poppies to the Royal Canadian Legion; the machine to put the bend in the pin was allegedly expensive and unique.

Anyhoo, I’ve made more donations than the number of poppies I’ve taken. That should be everyone’s goal each year.

Here's my 'secret' method for poppy's. Every time I lose one, I go get another. Don't be so cheap people.

I think its disgusting that People are whining about POPPIES..For GODs sake they are a rememberance item for those whom gave their lives..!
They are not sold only donations...if you cant afford one you will not be expected to give a donation..I am sure.
Just please quite whining...
In ref to the WHITE poppies they should be sued from the Legion...its appauling that some other org PROFIT on the Backs of VETERANS..

The R.C.Legion has issued a cease & decist order to the Anti-war group that is promoting the White Poppy.
The Funds raised for the White Poppy go to a Peace Activest Group in England

As i have stated in prior post What's Next? Anti-War protest during Solemn Ceremonies.

The Poppy is a symbol of Rememberance.

I love it, Bear, go buy another one. The fallen ones can represent those who fell.
The Legion members are dwindling and branches closing - support them while you can.
This fall our Legion spearheaded the addition of the name of a local boy who died in Afhanistan to the cenotaph, rededicated it, and held a reception afterwards. This month they gave a student bursary in his name also. And, the Legion branch where his wife lived honoured him with a memorial tree on their road of remembrance. All very meaningful to the family, especially since the father and brother were ex-military.
This work falls to a smaller number of people each year. Donate your money to support a good cause - and wear the poppy proudly.

Is it Veterans' Day up there? Tomorrow is VD here.

I've bought at least 6 poppies this year at approx $1 each. I found a way to keep the pin in but the poppy comes off. I gave and now I give up.

How about a ribbon with poppies printed on it?

They don't have to fall to represent the fallen, and you don't have to take a new one to make another donation. I give my time to help with the Memorial Service every year, my daughter is a Cadet carrying flags in three Memorial Services this year and attending a fourth, and I am not whining.

But I remember the stories of my aunts as young girls collecting aluminum wrappers for the war effort, and I wonder at how things have changed, that it is now considered a good thing to let a poppy fall and take another one.

I haven't seen the white ones.
Maybe one of each would make sense...

The red Poppy has been a reconized act of Rememberance since 1921 as approved by the Cdn Government of the time, The Poppy was registered(Copyright)in 1948.

I agree Chris that it is appalling that another group use this Solemn occasion to promote their cause.

Wear your Poppy(on the left side) with pride, Please try & attend your local cenotaph or pause for 2min.s of silence on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour

We Will Remember Them

As for the white poppy's, while I can't speak for everyone. I can tell you that it's an insult to families that have loved ones serving overseas. The white poppy does not express respect it expresses a political position.

I buy a handful every year....give them to my kids and others who don't have them.

"The white poppy does not express respect it expresses a political position."

The red poppy likewise expresses a political position. It says that any war in which Canada has participated was (is) a just war. Some of us don't agree with that. But whether you agree or not, it is certainly a political position.

OK, I'll bite. What wars in which Canada has participated not been just?

I remember as a young girl, having legion members come to our school to get volunteers to stand on corners with boxes of poppies. I did it for years, and the best part for many of us was the cup of hot chocolate and donut we got when we turned in our collections. That Tim Hortons should be boycotted. Aren't they getting raves for being in Afganistan. Double standard. Time to start thinking of what stores not to Christmas shop in for refusing to allow Merry Christmas to be displayed or said by clerks. I hear that BS is not going to respond to Ralph's comment last night, so we will not be subject to 3 wks of comments re give a dog a bone.

Exile: The Poppy is a protected under copyright by the Royal Canadian Legion.
The Royal Canadian Legion Do not hold any affiliation to any political party in Canada,
The Poppy represents an Act of Rememberance in Canada To Those who Gave You Your Freedoms.
So comparing the Red Poppy to a political position is ludicrist & i would suggest that you thank a Vet. instead of ridicule.

Like i said before what's next Anti-War protest's at Cenotaphs during solemn ceremonies.

"OK, I'll bite. What wars in which Canada has participated not been just."

I'll mention one to start with: WWI. This was a clash of empires for the division of the world. Canada fought because it was part of one of those empires. Millions died.

Lost three so far and don’t mind buying another.
But I don’t like it when I’m walking down the street and notice others with theirs while mine has disappeared. So I have put a little piece of Scotch tape around the protruding pointy end of the pin.

I noticed lots more poppies being worn in Calgary this year than in the past. But Vancouver is about the same as usual.

"OK, I'll bite. What wars in which Canada has participated not been just."

Thanks for the question. I responded but my comment did not appear. (No I did not use any of the "forbidden words".)

I'll try again later if I have time.

Sorry, it's there now!

I first encountered lapel poppies when I lived in the UK for a few years in the 90's. I wished then and wish now that that tradition was more prevelent here in the US. (I've heard that there is a veterns group that sells them, but I've never seen them.) However, our focus on 11/11 is on all veterns, living and dead. The UK, Canada, etc. version is more akin to our Memorial Day in May.

I have two questions. Do the Canadians call it Rememberance Sunday like they do in the UK? And why the emphasis on the etiquete of wearing the poppy on the left, rather than the right?

I'll mention one to start with: WWI. This was a clash of empires for the division of the world. Canada fought because it was part of one of those empires. Millions died.

So here it is 2006, almost 100 years later, and you're bummed out about WWI to the extent that you equate the red and white poppies?

That can’t be it. Give us something else.

And while you’re at it, what about all the other slaughters that have gone on in the intervening 100 years? Stalin starving millions. The Holocaust. Mao. Turks killing Armenians. The Khmer Rouge. North Korea. Darfur.

Any of that make you think that maybe your loathing is misdirected?

MikeM: Yes Remberance Day is very similar to Memorial Day.
We pay tribute to those who served & gave the Ultimate Sacrifice On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour.
Remberance Sunday is not as known in Canada as much, Most legions here will have a Church parade & Church service the Sunday prior to the 11th.
The poppy is worn on the left side as a show of respect closes to your heart & is the only pin/object that can be worn above the Queens crown. Many units or legion crest for Eg: have the queens crown in the insignia.

Exile

Your statement has made me so angry, I have no idea how to even begin to refute it. The red poppy is political only because people like you and the idiot white poppiests made it so. This is likely the least political thing there is. My God, we are remembering people that fought and laid down their lives for our country, right, wrong or indifferent.

Last Nov 11 I was on a ship that had mostly American passengers in board. That night was formal dress so I wore my tux with a red poppy on the left lapel.
Some inebriated passenger approached me and said I looked like Jackie Gleason with the flower. His wife promptly said " It's Veterans Day, you idiot".
In less than one second he was profusely apologizing for his rude comment.
Yes, it is not as wildly recognized in the US but it appears they respect it as much as we do.

yo...exile...soldiers are the least political people in the land....politicians start wars, soldiers finish them...the poppy is in remembrance of all soldiers who died fighting FOLLOWING ORDERS...slam the ahole politicos all u want...BACK OFF ON SLAMMING OUR WAR DEAD......GO ARMY

"yo...exile...soldiers are the least political people in the land....politicians start wars, soldiers finish them...the poppy is in remembrance of all soldiers who died fighting FOLLOWING ORDERS...slam the ahole politicos all u want...BACK OFF ON SLAMMING OUR WAR DEAD......GO ARMY"

I don't for a minute blame the soldiers. I blame those who rule(d) and that is certainly not the soldiers. I do mourn their death and I respect them. What I will not say is what is said at every remembrance ceremony I have ever been to - that the wars they were sent to fight and die in were wars on behalf of God, justice, freedom, whatever. (WWII is an important exception.)

If Remembrance Day is about respect for and remembrance of those who died, I will wear a poppy and attend the service. But if it means that anytime the Canadian Parliament sends soldiers to fight and die, it is (or has been) for God, justice, freedom, etc., then no, I will not wear a poppy or attend a ceremony. Unfortunately, it always seems to be about both. That's why I say it's political. Make it nonpolitical, and I'll be there.

I buy one or two every year, but I rarely lose them. I have one on my coat, one in my office for work, and nine on the bulletin board in the kitches, including one with a green center (remember those?). The pin through the edge trick works a treat.

"My God, we are remembering people that fought and laid down their lives for our country, right, wrong or indifferent."

So I take it that it doesn't matter to you whether the cause was good or evil. You are simply remembering those who died. If I thought that was all that was meant, I'd have no reservations. But that doesn't seem to be all that is meant. There is always a "the cause was glorious and just" element that is prominent. And, too frequently, it was not.

"If Remembrance Day is about respect for and remembrance of those who died, I will wear a poppy and attend the service. But if it means that anytime the Canadian Parliament sends soldiers to fight and die, it is (or has been) for God, justice, freedom, etc., then no, I will not wear a poppy or attend a ceremony."

Exile

It's whatever YOU decide it is for, and it is obvious what you have decided. That makes you someone I do not, will not and cannot respect. Go to Hell!

"It's whatever YOU decide it is for, and it is obvious what you have decided. That makes you someone I do not, will not and cannot respect. Go to Hell!"

No, it doesn't mean whatever I think it means. (I assume you must be some kind of relativist or postmodernist. I am not.) It means what most of those who wear the poppies and participate in the ceremonies think it means. I have told you my impression of what this is but I am more than willing to listen to other interpretations.

Has it really come to this? No one is allowed to question or to criticize anything associated with Remembrance Day or any war that Canada has ever fought in?

"So here it is 2006, almost 100 years later, and you're bummed out about WWI to the extent that you equate the red and white poppies?"

I haven't said a word about white poppies but, no, I don't equate white and red poppies.

I don't lie awake at night thinking about WWI but someone asked me for an example of an unjust war Canada has fought in. I selected what I thought would be the least controversial example.

Shouldn't those white poppies really be yellow?
With a hammer and sickle in the middle?

Exile
You make no sense at all, Just as Kingstonlad has stated, Wars are started by politicians Soldiers fight them.
If you can't equate the difference between a Solemn Ceremony & a political statement maybe you are right you should stay at home.
No iam wrong you should go & look in the faces of those Men & Women many in there 80's standing there in the snow or rain & wind paying respect. Look real close you will not see these people standing there Whining that the Poppy is a political statement, You will not see them Whining that we should or shouldnot be in a conflict, You will not see them whining about the weather, You look real close as you see these Vets standing there in silence with there heads bowed, You look real close as you will most likely see tears in their eyes for these people are remembering there fallen comrades, those that died beside them, those that they have lost since. So you look real close at these Men & Women & thank them for your for your freedom so you can make the whiney statements that you have made.

Sounds to me like exile should be exiled to cuba so he can spew his commie lies to like minded scum.

These people died so he could spew his hatefilled lies to the rest of us. I sure would like to see him say it to my face at the service on Saturday.

Hey, exile! I wish you'd been in the grade 3/4 class I was in today, to hear their discussion about Remembrance Day, and why we remember our soldiers who sacrificed their lives, their health, their security--something I'll wager you've never had to do--so that we can be free: to work, to play, to worship, to enjoy the beauty of Canada without having to worry about loved ones being carted off in the night never to return.

They were deeply respectful, and I was very impressed. Many of them have grandparents who were in the war, and they showed a solemnity and seriousness that I rarely see in kids that age as we discussed a poem about a soldier's mom selling poppies. Her son died in the war, and she reminisced about him as a young boy, about the age of my students.

They understood that real people, with loved ones, lost their lives, and that the poppy is a symbol of love, sacrifice, loss, heroism, and ultimately, freedom.

I'm on my third or fourth poppy, and like a few others, pop a loonie or toonie into the box to get another one when I need to. I am usually a militant consumer, but in the case of the missing poppies--all the time!--I don't mind one bit having to "shell out" for another one. If it helps our veterans, then who cares if the pin keeps falling out?

God bless our veterans and our troops.

Can you tell Im really really angry?

exile
"Has it really come to this? No one is allowed to question or to criticize anything associated with Remembrance Day or any war that Canada has ever fought in?"

In my opinion this is one issue there should be no dissent on.You support the poppy and remember the dead of all the wars this Dominion has fought in..regardless of the external political situation..

I would go further and make every child in school attend remembrance ceremonies in a way that is truly meaningful..by escorting the veterans through out that one day..attend to every wish or need..

I would also have schools affiliate themselves with veterans organisations and involve them in upkeep of veterans homes, cemetery plots and other civic projects..engage the youth..

I would also make it mandatory that every new Canadian who comes to this country is instructed on the values that formed Canada, our participation in war, and why it is important that they embrace these ideals..far too many newcomers have no idea of these things, and far too many average Canadians as well for my liking..

Don't waste your breath on Exile, he cannot comprehend what we are saying.

I just get so ticked when those such as Exile just don't get it.
We are talking an act of Rememberance here, But as usual there are those that have to equate there political strife with this.
Every year we are losing more & more Vets that have served to protect freedom and every year we see more & more of that nonsense.
Been around thanks to people such as yourself & your students we will continue to show the respect that is due to our Veteran's
also well said Free,kingston,jrp etc...
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM