Hello, I am Bonfire Jr. the horse. There are many ways we can show we recognize and remember Canadian Veterans. But I think the most colourful way is with plants and flowers!
The best-known remembrance flower is the poppy!
Every November, we read these words at remembrance ceremonies across Canada:
"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row"
This is from a famous poem called In Flanders Fields. It was written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in 1915. That was during the First World War. John was a Canadian military doctor. He saw red poppies growing on the battlefields and in war cemeteries. His powerful poem soon became known around the world. That is why millions of people wear poppies every November. They are still an important symbol of remembrance 110 years later.
This year, I am planting poppy seeds in front of the remembrance clubhouse. Let’s make remembrance grow!
Forget-me-not
These little blue flowers are a symbol of remembrance in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Maple leaf
The maple leaf is a symbol of our country, Canada.
Tulip
Tulips come in many colours. They are a symbol of the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
Happy Dutch people giving flowers to a soldier.
Did you know?
Tulips are a special symbol of remembrance for the people of Canada and the Netherlands. These countries became special friends during the Second World War. The war was a very hard time for people living in the Netherlands. Our soldiers went to help. Sadly, more than 7,600 Canadians died in the fighting there. The Dutch people have never forgotten. Every year, the Netherlands sends thousands of tulip bulbs to Canada. What a colourful gift of thanks! The tulips bloom every spring in our capital city of Ottawa.