How to wear a Poppy Correctly

Earlier this week I wrote a Blog about Wearing of the Poppy titled, ‘Where’s your Poppy?’ and I posted it – as always is done – on fb. Some interesting comments via fb including one from Lesley who asked, ‘Where and how do you wear the Poppy?’ Apparently Leslie grew up in England where woman are supposed to wear the poppy on the right side with the leaf (which British poppies include) pointed towards 11 o’clock. Only men are supposed to wear the poppy on the left over their heart. After researching I found out that is indeed true, but men and woman can wear it either way.

As far as this country goes, the correct way to wear a Poppy according to notablelife.com:

The poppy should be worn on the left-hand-side of one’s shirt or jacket over the heart – and this leaves no room for deviation (meaning, don’t decorate your backpack with a poppy, please). Wearing a poppy attached to your jacket via another pin through the centre is also a major no. While they are not always the sturdiest things in the world, there’s a reason a poppy is complete with its own pin (and you can get rubber stoppers to avoid the pin prick paranoia).

There is little room for creativity when it comes to the poppy – don’t try to make your own (it sounds ridiculous, but actually needs to be said). One thing that may come as a surprise, however, is that you can wear multiple poppies, something Queen Elizabeth II has been known to do in the past. The wearing of multiple poppies may symbolize the recognition of multiple countries or individuals (just don’t go overboard). If you want to explore other “poppy possibilities,” the Legion actually has a full online poppy store, featuring everything from poppy-adorned clothing, to gifts and watches (maybe a good holiday gift for the grandparents?).

While you may like the way a poppy looks on your jacket, don’t over wear it. Typically, the poppy is removed after November 11. It may also, however be appropriate to wear a poppy on a few other occasions, including ceremonies to honour veterans. When you’re done with your poppy, remember to dispose of it in a respectful way. There’s no need to save it for next year – the poppy boxes aren’t going anywhere.

Now apparently we know.

Neil*

*Son of Flight Lieutenant Norman B Morrison – 519 Squadron – Bomber Command – Royal Canadian Air Force – 1942-1944.