Mr. Speaker, in November, poppies suddenly appear on the jackets, coats and hats of Canadians.
Wearing a poppy is a way of paying tribute to those who died in war, peacekeeping operations or conflicts.
During the Napoleonic wars, writers noted that poppies flourished on the graves of dead soldiers. This flower became the symbol of remembrance in Canada in 1921.
The poem by John McCrae expresses very well the significance of wearing a poppy. Here are a few lines from the poem:
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
In honour of our soldiers, I urge everyone to wear a poppy.