Red Poppy, White Poppy

The contentious issue of the wearing of the poppy rears its head every Remembrance Day.

The poppy has been a symbol of remembrance for Canada’s veterans since the First World War.

Those who protest the poppy believe that it glorifies war. “I completely understand fighting in both World Wars,” says Hollis McGowan, 25. “I just feel that in my lifetime Canada has become too interventionist in military matters. I don’t want to support that.”

“I don’t mind the poppy,” says Kaitlin Linton, 25. “I don’t think it glorifies war.”

W.O. Ron Denham proudly sells poppies at Finch Subway station.

For W.O. Ron Denham the poppy means everything. “It reminds us of the 105, 000 Canadians that didn’t get back.” he says. Denham comes from military family; a member of his family has fought in every Canadian war since World War One. He has a son fighting in Afghanistan. “If we don’t remember, history is apt to repeat itself. A lot of people don’t care, but the ones that do show up with the poppy”.

Many Canadians are now sporting a white poppy. This gesture intends to support veterans of past wars while simultaneously encouraging peace in present conflicts.