Legion commemorates 100th poppy anniversary in 2021

The first-ever poppy was designed 100 years ago, as of this year.

“This year is the 100-year anniversary of the poppy and it is a symbol of remembrance to make people think about our veterans and their sacrifices and the freedoms that we enjoy in Canada today,” Royal Canadian Legion communication manager Nujma Bond said on 650 CKOM’s Brent Loucks Show.

The creation of the original poppy dates back to 1921 when Anna Guerin came up with the idea. She approached Canada’s Great War Veterans Association with a plan to help support veterans with their financial situation by selling the poppies to all Canadians.

The Legion has continued with this unique tradition and to this day, many Canadians will wear a poppy proudly on their chest to show respect and gratitude to those who have and continue to serve.

Bond made it clear that no matter what the situation was, all members will never be forgotten.

“A thing we like to say is, ‘A veteran is a veteran is a veteran,’ so it doesn’t matter where they have served, which conflict they were a part of, we serve them all equally,” she said.

For its 100-year anniversary, the Legion has designed a brand new poppy style to celebrate the historic milestone. The Commemorative Poppy Flower is meant to reimagine the original poppies handed out at the conclusion of the First World War.

By Dallas Dahlseide