2026 Poppy Campaign

Did You Know...

The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance during World War I, inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae's famous 1915 poem, "In Flanders Fields," which described the flowers growing across war-torn battlefields. The fabric poppy fundraising concept was pioneered by Madame Anna Guérin and was officially adopted in Canada in July 1921. 

According to official military andVeterans Affairs Canada protocol, the poppy should be worn respectfully on the left lapel, close to the heart. It is traditionally worn throughout the campaign period and is removed at the conclusion of Remembrance Day ceremonies, where many choose to place their poppies on local cenotaphs or war memorials as a final sign of respect.