On the Poppy’s 100th year as a symbol of Remembrance, the Royal Canadian Mint / Monnaie royale canadienne is offering this wreath to honour those who have served our country and those who continue to help advance peace around the world.
Theirs is a legacy of great trials and sacrifice, but also of hope and heroism. We will never forget their bravery, and with this wreath of forget-me-nots and red poppies, we gratefully acknowledge their service while honouring the memory of the fallen.
À l’occasion du 100e anniversaire du coquelicot du Souvenir, Royal Canadian Mint / Monnaie royale canadienne vous offrons cette couronne pour rendre hommage à ceux qui ont servi le Canada et qui continuent à œuvrer pour la paix dans le monde.
Ils laissent derrière eux un héritage fait de grandes épreuves et de sacrifices, mais aussi d’espoir et d’héroïsme : jamais leur bravoure ne sera oubliée. Par cette couronne de myosotis et de coquelicots rouges, nous soulignons leur service et honorons la mémoire de ceux qui sont tombés au combat.
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Poppy symbol of Remembrance
OTTAWA, ON, 6 July 2021 – One hundred years today, the precursor to The Royal Canadian Legion officially recognized the Poppy as Canada’s lasting symbol of Remembrance. A century later, the Legion is commemorating this historic milestone.
“We are proud to be the safekeepers of this special symbol, brought to us by a visionary woman,” says Dominion President Thomas D. Irvine, CD. “Every time I see a Poppy I think of our fallen, and I thank them for their sacrifices.”
The idea for the Remembrance Poppy in Canada was conceived by Madame Anna Guérin of France. She was inspired by John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.” Anna had originally founded a charity to help rebuild regions of France torn apart by the First World War, and created poppies made of fabric to raise funds.
Later, Anna presented her concept to France’s allies, including the precursor to The Royal Canadian Legion, The Great War Veterans Association. The idea was considered at a meeting in Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) and was adopted on July 6, 1921.
The Legion’s “Poppy 100” tributes this year include:
The release of an inspiring video that explains the history of the Poppy as Canada’s symbol of Remembrance.
The creation of a unique commemorative stamp by Canada Post slated for release this fall.
The creation of a unique commemorative coin by The Royal Canadian Mint for release this year.
The special lighting of several Canadian landmarks to mark the anniversary on July 6, 2021 including BC Place, the Vancouver Convention Centre and Olympic Cauldron, the West Edmonton Mall, the Calgary Tower, the Regina City Hall foyer, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the City of Toronto downtown sign, and the Champlain Bridge.
A commemorative program led by Legion representatives in Port Arthur, ON (now Thunder Bay), where the Poppy symbol was officially adopted in 1921.
Visit Legion.ca to learn more about the history of the Poppy.
“The Poppy is central to everything we do, and will always remain a powerful symbol in Canada,” says Angus Stanfield, Dominion Vice President and Chair of the Poppy and Remembrance committee. “When people donate to the National Poppy Campaign each November, and proudly display the Poppy on their lapel, they are reflecting their heartfelt thanks for our Veterans.”
Donations collected across the country each November during the Legion’s National Poppy Campaign go into dedicated Poppy Trust Funds and are used solely to support Veterans and their families.
An update from Dominion Command from earlier today.
Message from the Dominion President
Important message from the Dominion President
June 30, 2021
Dear Comrades,
My recent directive to lower Legion flags allowed us to come together and express our feelings of sorrow after devastating discoveries near former residential schools for First Nations children in Canada. I thank you for your reverence.
As of sunset today, the Legion’s half-mast period will end, and flags may be hoisted to full staff once again. While our official period of mourning is coming to a close, our collective thoughts and prayers for our First Nations comrades will continue always.
The memories of those lost will never be forgotten.
Tom
Thomas D. Irvine, CD
Dominion President
Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans
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The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada
Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail:membership@legion.ca
Our collective sorrow has been further deepened by the recent discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves near the site of a former residential school for First Nations children, this time in Saskatchewan.
In Remembrance, and out of respect for all these souls, I am issuing a second national directive. I am asking all Branches to lower flags to half-mast for an indefinite period of mourning, starting today. An updated directive will be issued once this period ends.
We continue to join in spirit with our First Nations comrades to help them through this devastating time.
Our thoughts remain with all related families and communities.
Tom
Thomas D. Irvine, CD
Dominion President
Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message.
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada
Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca
News of the discovery of children’s remains in British Columbia has deeply saddened us all. This chapter in Canada’s history is devastating and we feel great sorrow for those who have been affected by this tragedy over the years and in the wake of this latest discovery.
In Remembrance of these children, I am issuing a national directive today for all Branches to lower their flags to half-mast for 215 hours starting with the timing of this request. One hour to represent and reflect upon each child’s life. A similar directive will be issued should there be future discoveries.
Branches have had the freedom to lower their flags in Remembrance, and I thank all of you who have already done so. We stand in solidarity with our First Nations comrades and friends, therefore we are issuing a clear national directive today.
May these children rest in peace.
With thanks,
Tom
Thomas D. Irvine, CD
Dominion President
Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans
Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message.
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada
Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail:membership@legion.ca
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 