Quote Originally Posted by episcopalscot
The Red Poppy is the traditional symbol of Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day in the states), and originates in the First World War, when the poem "In Flander's Fields" by Captain John McCrae, a Canadian of Scottish heritage, wrote about the poppies that grew on the battlefields and graveyards of France & Flanders. Ovetime, the poem made the poppy the emblem of remembrance for war dead. Today, you hardly see them in the US, save the VFW & the American Legion, and I always donate to both groups around this time, but in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, they are everywhere -- if you watch Prime Minister's Question Time on CSPAN right now you will see everyone in Westminister wearing them. I have one that a friend of mine in Australia sent me, a nice metal lapel badge that I wear around this time of year -- I've worn it with my daywear "kit" when our St. Andrew's Society has marched in the local Veteran's Day parade carrying the US, Scottish, Union Flag, Canada, Australia, etc. to salute our Commonwealth family who has stood by us in conflict after conflict -- we wanted to remind Americans of their sacrifices as well.

Sorry to ramble! See:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/remembranceday/

http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/

Lest We Forget...

T.
Thank you Todd for that great reference. I have a poppy on my kilt right now, and have one on my coat as well.