The Legacy of the Poppy: Remembering our Heroes

Every November, Canadians pin a red poppy over their hearts. It is a familiar tradition, but how much do we really know about the story behind this powerful symbol of remembrance? Today on Bring Back The Porch, Brian sits down with Wes Krause, Archives Officer with the Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Branch 17 in Medicine Hat, to explore the fascinating history of the poppy and the meaning it carries for Canadians and people around the world. Chapters 00:00 – The Story Behind the Remembrance Day Poppy 00:38 – Why the Poppy Means So Much to Canadians 01:10 – In Flanders Fields: The Poem That Started It All 02:40 – John McCrae and the Origins of the Poppy 03:25 – Did the Poppy Grow on Battlefields Before WWI? 04:40 – How the Poppy Became an International Symbol 05:59 – The Women Who Helped Bring the Poppy to the World 07:41 – Why the Poppy Is Recognized Around the World 08:46 – How the Remembrance Day Poppy Has Changed 11:34 – The Tradition of Leaving Your Poppy at the Cenotaph 13:05 – Why More Canadians Are Embracing Remembrance 15:14 – Do Other Countries Celebrate Remembrance Day? 17:16 – Veterans, Camaraderie and Shared Experiences 20:00 – Poppy Etiquette: When and Where Should You Wear It? 21:12 – What Happens to Your Poppy After November 11? 22:00 – Honouring Veterans at Medicine Hat's Field of Honour 23:35 – Where Does the Money From the Poppy Campaign Go? 25:45 – How the Legion Supports Veterans and Their Families 27:28 – Lest We Forget Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields", the poppy has a history that reaches far beyond Canada's borders. Its journey involves the First World War, international efforts to honour fallen soldiers, and the people who helped establish the poppy as an enduring symbol of remembrance. Wes explains the traditions and etiquette surrounding the poppy, including when to wear it, where it belongs, and what happens to it after Remembrance Day. He also shares the important work of the Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Campaign and how the funds raised provide practical support to veterans and their families. From financial assistance and housing to medical equipment, education and emergency support, the Poppy Fund continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served. We also explore the camaraderie shared between veterans, the growing community response to remembering those who served, and why the poppy remains such an important symbol for future generations. As we approach Remembrance Day, this is an opportunity to learn something new, reflect on our history and better understand the responsibility we share in remembering those who made sacrifices for our freedom. Lest We Forget 📍 Recorded in Medicine Hat, Alberta. ABOUT OUR GUEST Wes Krause is the Archives Officer for the Royal Canadian Legion Robertson Memorial Branch 17 in Medicine Hat. Through his work with the Legion, he helps preserve the history, traditions and stories of Canada's veterans. ABOUT BRING BACK THE PORCH Bring Back The Porch is a Medicine Hat community podcast bringing local people, important conversations and interesting stories to the forefront. We believe our community is stronger when we take the time to listen, learn and understand one another. If you enjoy conversations like this, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE Bring Back The Porch. Help us keep local stories and meaningful conversations alive. #BringBackThePorch #RemembranceDay #PoppyCampaign #MedicineHat #LestWeForget #RoyalCanadianLegion #CanadianVeterans Medicine Hat Fire Department reminds you to charge your devices with the cord that came them. Third party cords can damage your rechargeable batteries and lead to fire. Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Br