Today marks Remembrance Day, and while many of us in Canada are proudly wearing the iconic poppy, did you know that this beautiful tradition extends far beyond our borders? Countries across the globe wear their own poppy with pride, and it’s absolutely fascinating to see.
Let’s take a little tour and discover how our friends from different corners of the world are celebrating Remembrance Day with their own versions of the poppy:
United Kingdom: Over in the UK, they’ve added a green leaf to their poppy design. It’s a classic look that never goes out of style. Last year, they went fully paper with their poppies, giving the green leaf another meaning!
Australia: Our friends down under share a simple yet striking design, featuring a bold red poppy sometimes complemented with a black center. It’s both powerful and poignant. 
Barbados: Barbados first started wearing poppies over 100 years ago! The tradition started way back in 1923 after The Barbados Poppy League was established. Their poppies are also from the Royal Canadian Legion through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, so that’s why their poppies look identical to the poppies we wear in Canada.
New Zealand: These guys have a very similar poppy to the UK, but theirs has that special white tag meant to be seen on the side. If you were in New Zealand today though, you would not see a lot of people wearing poppies. Their Remembrance Day is celebrated on April 25th and is called Anzac Day.
Ukraine: The poppy is a relatively new symbol in Ukraine, only gaining prominence in 2014. The poppy below is the symbol of a new holiday signed into law last year: Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II 1939 – 1945, also just called Day of Remembrance and Victory. It was celebrated for the first time this year on May 8th.
Isn’t it fascinating how this simple symbol of remembrance and peace is interpreted in so many beautiful ways? It’s a reminder that while we might have our differences, deep down, there’s so much that unites us.
No matter what kind of poppy you’re wearing today, let’s celebrate togetherness, honour those who served, and cherish the bonds that connect us all. Let’s spread some global poppy love this Remembrance Day.