Why I wear a poppy

To close our Remembrance week stories, I wanted to share why wearing a poppy is important to me. See, our Canadian Forces have been part of my family for generations. My grandfather had a motivational role in the war and played baseball and entertained as a musician for the troops. My dad – an F18 mechanic in the Air Force, ensuring our troops could be scrambled at a moment’s notice. And my husband – also in the Air Force, was a navigator for our fleet of CP-140 Aurora’s keeping our coastlines safe and oceanic threats at bay. Even though the three most influential men in my life rarely speak of their time in the military, I couldn’t be prouder of what they chose to do for our family and for all Canadians.

Learning about Remembrance Day and its significance as a young lady growing up in our nation’s capital was monumental. It helped shape my views on selflessness, sacrifice, belief and pride. In elementary school we learned to recite and perform “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, we made poppy wreaths and other memorial crafts to place on our classroom windows or in our gym during our annual ceremony. We’d sing Amazing Grace and share in a moment of silence at 11 am. 

In high school we’d commemorate the day by gathering outside at our school’s flagpole for an assembly of appreciation and honour. Our principal always shared kind words that helped us understand the importance of this day, the choir would sing a few verses from “Amazing Grace”, the drama class would recite “In Flanders Field”, a trumpeter from our band played “The Last Post”, and in closing we’d all share in a moment of silence. It was the one time that no matter who you were at school, no matter what your role, whether you had good or not so good grades, or who your friends were – we came together as a community. 

Understanding the importance of remembering those had fallen wasn’t easy. Young people tend to overlook the importance of our history and its impact on how we live today. Not because they’re insensitive or perceived as not caring, but only because they can’t relate. Over time I understood that because of those soldiers who selflessly fought for our freedom, I get to enjoy mine. 

To this day, I hold what our Canadian Forces does for our country, very close to my heart. I wear my poppy with pride. It's a symbol of who we have lost – and because of their courage – what we have gained. Thank you, thank you, thank you – today, tomorrow and always. 

Love,

Patricia