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According to the CBC article, it wasn't 'one legion in Alberta' who has taken a stand against it. It was the head office in Ottawa who stated it was equivaletn of 'defacing' the poppy.

I don't know, seems like veterans a are offended by anything & everything these days. I'm surprised how charged up they are about all aspects of the poppy.  
 
Remember, the poppy is an expression by a civilian, its not party of a military uniform. The civilian is expressing their remembrance whichis the whole point.  
 
It irks me when someone wearing a poppy to honor those who died is blasted by a military member for securing out with a Canadian flag pin.  
 
In my opinion, that military member has said that the remembrance doesn't matter, its all about pomp & show.  
 
My great uncle died to preserve that Canadian flag f flying over Canada, also many many civilians sacrificed to support the troops back then with rationing, financially , and women entering the workforce to replace them.  
 
So i don't think a dressing down for wearing a Canada pin is appropriate.  
 
I think the rot of the issue is a collision of military ideals (protocol) and civilian ideals (self expression)

BY the "offense" people are taking to augmentations of the poppies.  
 
I was really more offended by the complaints that were being made of the children in Winnipeg that were hand crocheting poppies. Come on, I find it far more respectful and meaningful to see small children really engaged in making these things than wearing Chinese made cheap crap poppies.  
 
Yes, I fully understand that Veterans make some money from the sale of these. But I for one would donate more if they made available nicer quality poppies, or would certainly take one with the new pins over the ones I lose all the time. Cripes - for years I have used a stud earring in the centre of mine. I'd much rather purchase a nice permanent centre if that money went to their cause.  
 
I think all the "outrage" and complaining has really cheapened what this program is really about.  
 
On a side note - I love chatting with the veterans who give their volunteer hours to sell poppies. They take pride in wearing their dress suits, it is wonderful to see them doing this. I often donate as I am walking buy and do not bother taking another poppy - just nice to stop and say thank you to them.

never heard of this issue, do you have a link or pic so we can see what they are talking about?  
 
i did hear there was a backlash about the new knitted poppies and other homemade ones but in my humble opinion any poppy serves the purpose of honoring and remembering those who served and as long as that is the intent then i support it  
 
as far as funds go, with any group there is always a need of funds beyond that the government provides, selling poppies does accomplish a bit of fund raising and education which i support but i also support the gestures of people who have already donated or cant donate but want to show their appreciation and i can imagine anyone who would think otherwise, if they do then that is their issue but they should try and remember the point of remembrance day remembering and honoring those who gave us freedom

I have used backs from earrings and more recently a Canadian flag pin as the pin often sticks me. Never even knowing that apparently it is offensive. I am proud to be a Canadian and very thankful for the men and woman that have fought over the years for our freedom and those from other countries. I am sorry if some find it offensive but I will not stop showing my support using these methods to preserve the poppy. Frankly, I find it more offensive to see one all chewed up and stepped on, on the ground.  
 
 
 
Edited by Jaxon, 2015-11-10 13:24:39

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/remembrance-day-poppy-won-t-fall-off-1.3311799  
 
I found an article about it and it seems to me the issue the head of the legion has is that a private person is making money off the campaign, and i can see the issue a bit but it also says that the guy first tried to contact the legion and partner with them but they were not interested, they also stated that their manual on the issue states that the poppy should be held on with nothing other then the pin provided, while i believe that is probably to keep the poppy looking nice the rule and the legion failed to meet the change in demand for safer more appealing poppy and unfortunately that is on them

I thought I had read somewhere that the "rules" for wearing a poppy were not intended for civilians? That civilians could wear their poppy as they wish as it is better to honour, respect and remember than not to at all?  
 
Just saw the link traveller provided...I would happily pay for that! I also think it would be safer for young kids to wear (ok, me too!) And would decrease all the lost poppies that just get littered around. I lost 2 in one day!! I'm wearing my last year one now but have also read that is disrespectful....  
 
Edited by sammy, 2015-11-10 13:38:42

It'd be a non-issue if the poppy's came with the foam backing that the daffodils do. Those suckers stay on and that can't add much cost, right?

I agree that poppies can be difficult to keep on sometimes however there is a bit of a trick for them.  
 
If when you’re putting it on thread the needle through the petal of it and you will never lose it - regardless of how many times you may snag it on anything. I have added a picture for reference.  
 
Seriously, why does everything have to turn into a fight or an argument with everyone. This is about showing our respect and honoring those who sacrificed their lives and time to fight for our country, it really has nothing to do with you, having to buy another poppy or if you don't like someone’s particular poppy.  
 
 
 
Edited by Robyn Gibb, 2015-11-10 15:07:31

I'm supportive of any kind of backing in order to not lose my poppy: it bothers me to see dropped ones on the floor or outside on the ground getting stepped on.

I suppose we have to remember that the media also plays up the'offense'and 'backlash' hype trying to get views.  
 
They don't hesitate to focus on any small squabble about veterans

traveller said "http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/remembrance-day-poppy-won-t-fall-off-1.3311799     I found an article about it and it seems to me the issue the head of the legion has is that a private person is making money off the campaign, and i can see the issue a bit but it also says that the guy first tried to contact the legion and partner with them but they were not interested, they also stated that their manual on the issue states that the poppy should be held on with nothing other then the pin provided, while i believe that is probably to keep the poppy looking nice the rule and the legion failed to meet the change in demand for safer more appealing poppy and unfortunately that is on them "

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/remembrance-day-poppy-won-t-fall-off-1.3311799  
 
This thread might have several untruths  
For the full story, Please click on the link above.  
 
Don't let stories like this stop you from Thanking a Veteran.  
 
 
 
Edited by loeog, 2015-11-10 18:22:01

Why do simple things like remembrance have to be turned into a going show. I wear my poppy securely fastened with a very nice double poppy pin purchased at the legion. I too,get tired of losing and being poked by the pin.  
 
In my mind this is not disrespectful at all.  
 
Oh yeah, I am a vet.

I say, attach your poppy with whatever works. As a side thought, I have seen it mentioned throughout this discussion about the veterans "selling" poppies. The poppies are not sold. The money you give is a DONATION.

Heritage said "I don't know, seems like veterans a are offended by anything & everything these days. I'm surprised how charged up they are about all aspects of the poppy.     Remember, the poppy is an expression by a civilian, its not party of a military uniform. The civilian is expressing their remembrance whichis the whole point.     It irks me when someone wearing a poppy to honor those who died is blasted by a military member for securing out with a Canadian flag pin.     In my opinion, that military member has said that the remembrance doesn't matter, its all about pomp & show.     My great uncle died to preserve that Canadian flag f flying over Canada, also many many civilians sacrificed to support the troops back then with rationing, financially , and women entering the workforce to replace them.     So i don't think a dressing down for wearing a Canada pin is appropriate.     I think the rot of the issue is a collision of military ideals (protocol) and civilian ideals (self expression) "

I may have misunderstood what you wrote so if I am way off in left field, I apologize.  
 
I will begin by saying that poppy's are not sold. I have never seen them sold anywhere. It is provided on a donation basis can that can range. Also, I have even seen people who don't have any spare change on them (It's 2015 and most people pay by some sort of plastic now a days) simply be given one.  
 
From 1 November to 11 November, it is part of the military uniform. This is worn by BOTH civilians and service members as a way to honor the memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country.  
 
I have yet to see any member of the military be "iriked" (As you put it) for a person who has a poppy secured by a pin. (This practice has in fact been going on for a number of years) That is not to say that it has never happened (I didn't say that) It only states that I haven't seen it. Nor have I met a veteran who is "Offended by anything & everything these days" (also your words).  
 
I do not wear a poppy to glorify war, I wear mine to remember the sacrifice. And if I lose my poppy, I go out and get another one.  
 
(This post has been strictly reviewed by the writer, and it conforms with the ebrandon terms of service. Its states facts relevant to the topic at hand, mentions no names and does not slander other individuals. Questions, comments, queries, concerns or editing suggestions should be made to the writer. Have a good day)  
 
 
Edited by IMO, 2015-11-10 19:45:33

This is why I don't get/wear one...if I don't get stabbed it's gone a second later....

Robyn Gibb said "I agree that poppies can be difficult to keep on sometimes however there is a bit of a trick for them.     If when you’re putting it on thread the needle through the petal of it and you will never lose it - regardless of how many times you may snag it on anything. I have added a picture for reference.     Seriously, why does everything have to turn into a fight or an argument with everyone. This is about showing our respect and honoring those who sacrificed their lives and time to fight for our country, it really has nothing to do with you, having to buy another poppy or if you don't like someone’s particular poppy.         Edited by Robyn Gibb, 2015-11-10 15:07:31"

Thanks for the tip Robyn Gibb, actually I have always had a problem loosing my poppy. This year my dear wife installed my poppy on my jacket just as you suggested, It hasn't come off once and it's just as secure as the day she put it there.

and losing poppies while I served drove me insane, not to mention getting stabbed all of the time. I was even scared to pick up my son when wearing one, because of the fear of stabbing him.  
 
A few years before retiring, my spouse had snapped off the plastic canadian flag off of a pin which had a backing to it. What remained was just the top of the pin and the backing. To look at the poppy, one would never know that it was altered, but at least it stayed on and didn't stab any flesh.  
 
To the previous poster who painted all veterans in the same brush as being too sensitive to everything, I say your comment to be harsh. Not everyone thinks the same. Most of us don't care what the poppy is made from and what it looks like. What we appreciate is the thought behind wearing the poppy and the fact that people Remember.  
 
 
 
Edited by Desertnewf, 2015-11-11 10:51:23

I proudly wear my poppy with a tiny Canadian flag pin at its centre to hold it in place. I feel that I am honouring veterans and the country for whom they served.  
 
When my children were young, I accidentally hurt one of them with the pin on the poppy protruding beyond my shirt. It was not a serious injury but I was concerned about the potential for a symbol of honour and respect to be interpreted differently.  
 
Today my children are grown and they now also wear their poppies with a tiny Canadian flag pin.  
 
I think we should focus on the positive: people are wearing poppies for Remembrance Day. We should not let trivial concerns about how people choose to wear their poppies outweigh the appreciation that they are wearing them.

After the ceremony today, I gave my son a hug and not just pricked, but stabbed my son with my poppy pin. Next year I'll secure it with something other than the typical pin whether it's correct or not.

A veteran once explained it to me that the lost poppies represent the fallen soldiers that didn't come back. People didn't want that to happen either, but it did - a lot. Since hearing that I have reverted to just using the straight pin provided and hope that it stays on.

I have served in the Military and have many family members that have served. I highly respect veterans and the military in general. However when a Poppycop either criticizes someone for not wearing a Poppy, (even though they may have lost or misplaced it), or criticizing someone for wearing a Poppy too long!!--then that only serves to denigrate the entire program. Respect is what it should be about--NOT CRITICISM.