The Poppy, Q&A

When can poppies be worn daily?

The official start of the Poppy Campaign is the last Friday in October. Presentations of the poppies to dignitaries - for example, the Governor General, the Lieutenant Governors and Premiers - are normally made in advance of the official campaign start date. The distribution of poppies to the general public commences on the last Friday in October and can be worn at any time after that date.

Is it proper to wear a poppy to commemorative events at any point during the calendar year or should the poppy be worn only during the Poppy Campaign?

Although it is tradition for the Poppy to be worn only during the annual Remembrance period, a person may wear a Poppy any time he or she wishes to do so. It is not unusual for Poppies to be worn at commemorative events throughout the year, particularly during Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) pilgrimages. The best approach is to follow the lead of the event organizers. If you are organizing the event, you can seek advice from VAC senior officials or the Royal Canadian Legion.

Why do I see Poppies with green centres well as Poppies with black centres?

Around 2002 The Royal Canadian Legion changed the colour of the Poppy centre back to black. The green centres were in use from 1980 to 2002. During the transition both the green and black centres were distributed. After 2003, Poppies with green centres were no longer distributed.

How should the Poppy be worn?

The Royal Canadian Legion suggests that the Poppy be worn on the left lapel of a garment or as close to the heart as possible.