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Historical Society
Did You Know?
On 5 July 1921, the Great War Veterans Association (a forerunner of the Legion) adopted the poppy as the flower of remembrance.
Lethbridgians were informed in September that they should wear a red poppy on Armistice Day in Memory of Fallen Heroes.
It was noted that buying and wearing a poppy would accomplish several worthy objectives. Internationally, funds went to support French war orphans and widows, while in Lethbridge money was used to support family members of those who had died during the war. The poppy was to be worn to show that the brave deeds of those who had served in the war had not been forgotten.
The poppies sold in Lethbridge in 1921 were made by widows and orphans in France and were sold through the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire). The tradition of wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day continues to this day and it continues to honour those who served and especially those who died for their country. Money raised through the sale of poppies is still used to support veterans and veterans causes.
This year, on the 100
th anniversary of the poppy being chosen as the flower of remembrance, purchase and wear a poppy and continue the long legacy of honouring those who have served.
Lethbridge Historical Society
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