Poppy Tagging
The Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Tagging is a key part of the annual Poppy Campaign, held in the lead-up to Remembrance Day on November 11 every year in Canada.
Volunteers, often including members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Military Personnel, Veterans, Cadets, and Community Groups, distribute poppies to the public at various locations such as malls, grocery stores, and community centers.
In exchange for these poppies, people are encouraged to make a donation.
These donations are not mandatory but are greatly appreciated and go toward supporting Veterans and their families.
Importance of Poppy Tagging:
Honoring Veterans: The poppy is a symbol of remembrance for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom. Poppy tagging allows the community to visibly honor these sacrifices by wearing the poppy, showing solidarity and respect for those who served.
Raising Awareness: By wearing a poppy, people help spread awareness of the sacrifices made during times of war and conflict. It’s a powerful visual reminder of the importance of remembering history and the lives affected by war.
Supporting Veterans: All funds raised during the campaign go into the Poppy Trust Fund, which provides essential financial support to veterans, including housing, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. The funds also help support educational bursaries for veterans' families and contribute to programs that assist veterans' transition into civilian life.
Community Engagement: The campaign fosters a sense of unity across communities, as people from all walks of life come together to participate in this act of remembrance. It provides an opportunity for younger generations, especially cadets, to learn about the significance of Remembrance Day and the legacy of those who served.
Overall, poppy tagging serves as a tangible and symbolic way for Canadians to show gratitude, remember the fallen, and support living veterans and their families.