Earlier in the week, while listening to my favourite radio station, two of the hosts were discussing when you're actually supposed to start to wear your poppy. As I used to sell poppies with veterans during my time as an Air Cadet lo those many years ago, I can give you the correct poppy-wearing procedure.
Technically, you're to start wearing the poppy on the last Friday of October. This is what the veterans and members of our Canadian Forces have always done. If that's when they deem the appropriate time to start, then I'm going to do as they desire. After all, they did the fighting, so they absolutely get to do the deciding. As for where you wear your poppy, it's only on the left side, close to your heart.
Just like this. And notice that it's the correct shade of RED.
Yes, poppies tend to fall off, which is always unfortunate. This year, at the Legion table I stopped at, they had little pieces of rubber to stick on the pin to not only keep it in place, but to keep the sharp end from poking you. Of course, if you already have a poppy, an earring back will also do the trick. As for me, when I wear my poppy on my coat, I slide the pin between the layers of fabric, so the pin is actually inside the lapel. No poking, and it stays in place quite well. This also works well for tunics and suit jackets. Anything with a stiff lapel.
Now with this poppy protocol in mind, the last week and a half here in this country, has had a different protocol- personal choice by many. As I'm certain you're all aware, especially to my international readers, I'm Canadian, particularly from the outskirts of Hamilton, Ontario. About a week and a half ago, two members of our Forces were killed, on home soil, in acts that were meant to strike fear and terror into our red Maple-Leaf-Forever souls. Many people have chosen to wear their poppies early out of respect for our two fallen reservists. Though I have decided to wait until the traditional time, I 110% support the means of respect that many in this country have chosen to show. I did, however, opt to wear my red "WE REMEMBER" bracelet instead. Just because I didn't sport my poppy a week early doesn't mean I was about to refrain from showing them respect.
So now you know when to traditionally start to wear your poppy. And if you decide to pick one up at a table with veterans, don't forget to shake their hands. Even if they don't look like vets to you due to their younger age, still thank them. Being a veteran doesn't come with an age bracket. For all you know, you're wearing your poppy for someone they knew.
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