There’s more than one Remembrance Day poppy out there

The Armed Services memorial in Trenton. Photo by Connor Robinson, QNet News

By Connor Robinson and Logan Somers

BELLEVILLE – In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, the red poppy is worn by most people. But there are many other poppies with different meanings that can be used.

Since July 5, 1921, the poppy has been the symbol that we wear to remember our fallen veterans. All around the British Commonwealth, from Australia to Britain, people wear it on their lapels. The use of the poppy was inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician John McCrae.

Douglas Duff, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110 in Trenton. Photo by Connor Robinson, QNet News

“The red poppy is symbolic of blood in the fields of Flanders where our soldiers are buried,” said Douglas Duff, president of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 110 in Trenton.

The red poppy is usually worn by most to show respect for veterans. Yet there are many other coloured poppies that show respect for different things.

The white poppy was introduced by Britain’s Co-operative Women’s Guild in 1933 to honour those who fought in World War I. It symbolizes all casualties and stands for peace instead of war.

The purple poppy is to remember animals lost in war. Eight million horses died in the First World War alone, along with one million dogs.

The black poppy is to remember the soldiers of African, black and Caribbean descent who fought. Most people today remain unaware of these soldiers, but they served in both the First World War and The Second alongside British and Commonwealth troops.

Duff said he believes the public should be made aware of these other poppies, even though the red poppy is the one universally known and is considered most important.

“They should be showcased, but not as high up on the showcase as the red poppy,” he said. 

QNet News talked to some Loyalist College students about wearing a poppy and whether they think Canadians are doing enough to honour veterans.

Michael Kearns, a student in Film and TV Production, said everyone could do more for veterans.

“We only have one day to remember those people, and we don’t acknowledge it, even at the school. I have only gotten maybe one email about (Remembrance Day 2019), and I think it needs to be more prominent – because it’s more important to our history and our society than ever.”

Kearns said he wasn’t aware of the poppies of other colours, but believes they are a good idea. He particularly likes the idea of wearing the purple poppy to show respect for the animals that gave their lives.

“I’m a dog person and always an animal lover,” he said.

Taylor Graham-Jackson, a recent graduate of Loyalist College, said she believes it is very important to wear a poppy.

“It represents a small token of gratitude towards all soldiers who fought for our freedom,” she said.

Duff a veteran himself said he is scared that as we move further away from the wars people will forget our veterans and their sacrifices. He continued, saying that’s why the poppy is so important, it helps us remember our veterans’ stories.

“You don’t hear them speaking, but you hear their story and you understand.”