Tomorrow is Remembrance Day ~ a memorial day observed since the end of the First World War to remember the members of the Commonwealth armed forces who have died in the line of duty. The red poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem 'In Flanders Fields'. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.
Around this time each year the Royal Canadian Legion raises money destined to support Veterans and their families called the Poppy Campaign. A rise in donations this year has been attributed to the slaying last month of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Other factors include the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of World War II, as well as tensions in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
I recently read an article regarding where the money goes from the donations received. I am very much about awareness and transparency, but having hundreds of local branches makes it difficult to know if money is being accounted for. I have already made my donation hand-to-can, for several years in fact - without questioning its cause. I'll continue supporting the legion because as a whole, I know it does a greater good.
I challenge anyone to do more.
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