With Remembrance Day looming this coming weekend, many residents are sporting red poppies to show their support for those who have fought for our country’s freedom.
The origin of the poppy began in the spring of 1915. Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae became inspired by the sight of poppies growing in a battle-scarred fields after losing a friend in Ypres. Because of this inspiration, he went on to write the now famous poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance after the First World War.
Residents shared their reasoning as to why they wear their poppy, and some explained why they cannot wear a poppy.
Coral Warner said she wears her poppy to commemorate the lives lost for our freedom.
“In thanks to my great uncles and many other family members whom lost their lives so we could have ours,” she said.
Angela Williams expressed that she also wears hers to show respect for the ones who have fought and sacrificed.
“I do wear one every year to show my respect for everyone impacted by war,” she explained, jokingly adding, “I always poke myself. I don't think I've ever learned how to wear one properly. It's amazing we've not lost an eye.”
Dave Suski explained that his freedom comes from those who have fought in wars and said that is his reasoning behind his poppy wearing.
“The air I breathe and walk on or drink from has become possible because of the military grade efforts in their stand for Canada 100 per cent.”
On the other hand, there are residents who explained that although they do not wear a poppy to show support and respect for our veterans, it doesn’t mean they do not respect them.
“I personally don't wear one and never have. My family immigrated here from Germany and during the war their home was bombed and they lost everything,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
"They had to go to bed every night fully clothed with their shoes next to their beds because they never knew when the alarms would go off and they would have to rush to the bunkers.
"Food was scarce, money was tight and times were terrifying. They lost everything because of that stupid war.
"Now, I know that I'm a Canadian and should appreciate the freedom that the veterans gave me, which I do," the resident explained. "I know that World War II was not the only war that our veterans fought in to protect our freedom. However, I do not at all believe in war or anything it stands for. I do not appreciate what my family was put through and how it haunted my grandmother until the day she died. I will not wear a poppy ever, I will never support war but you won't catch me being ungrateful or disrespectful to our veterans. I just stay neutral basically.”
Elliot Lake residents can attend a Remembrance Day parade beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph.