Poppy Manual

POPPY PROTOCOL
710. This Section will provide answers to the most commonly
asked questions.
a. What does the Poppy represent?
The Poppy is the international symbol of Remembrance.
b. Why should I wear a Poppy?
When you wear a Poppy or display a wreath, you honour
the war dead and help Veterans and their families.
c. Who should wear a Poppy?
Everyone should be encouraged to wear a Poppy as it
is a way for all Canadians to honour the memory of
the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives in the
defence of freedom. This freedom, however, also means
having the right to choose and it is a person’s right not to
wear a Poppy if they choose.
The Poppy is the
international symbol
of Remembrance and
is worn from the last
last Friday in October
to the end of the day
on 11 November.
d. When is a Poppy worn?
Traditionally, the Poppy is worn during the Remembrance
period, which is from the last Friday in October to the end
of the day on 11 November. Poppies may also be worn at
other commemorative events throughout the year, such as
the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Britain, a memorial
service at a Legion Convention and other similar
occasions. The Poppy may also be worn by Colour Parties
when on parade and by members attending funeral
services for Veterans or Ordinary members.
e. How is the Poppy worn?
The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left breast,
close to the heart. When wearing standard Legion dress,
the lapel Poppy is worn on the left lapel immediately
above the Legion lapel badge. When wearing summer
dress, the lapel Poppy is worn on the shirt, immediately
above and centred on the shirt crest. In inclement
weather, the lapel Poppy is worn on the left side of
the outer garment.
f. Can I attach the Poppy to clothing with another
type of pin?
There have been many queries related to the wearing of
the lapel Poppy, specifically as it relates to using a pin or
other such fastening device in the center of the Poppy.
It is the position of the Legion that the Poppy is the sacred
symbol of Remembrance and should not be defaced in
any way. No other pin, therefore, should be used to attach
it to clothing.
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THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION