Remembrance Day is tomorrow. You might recall that this a very meaningful day for me.
In addition to marking the end of World War I and an occasion to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans as well as current soldiers, it is also my Grandpa’s birthday.
My grandfather at Avellino Dec. 29, 1944.
In Canada, many people observe Remembrance Day by wearing poppies for the weeks leading up to Nov. 11. The Royal Canadian Legion distributes the poppies. Poppies are never sold or purchased. People donate to the poppy campaign, and donations help ex-servicemen and women and their families.
A few years ago, I came across a free knitting pattern to make my own poppy from Canadian knitting designer Laura Chau. Laura wrote a great blog post earlier this month that includes a link to her pattern.
The poppies are easy to knit. To stitch one up is a small effort in light of what the poppy symbolizes.
Remembrance Day previously:
Home on 129 Acres 
Thanks for this . . . the knitted poppy is lovely. Your grandfather looks so handsome, so full of life, and promise. (We’ll remember.) Did you see our August 31 post about Moina B. Michael, the American “Poppy Lady”?
I went back and read it this morning. Thanks for sharing.
I love the picture of your grandpa!
You did a great job with your poppy. Our VFW usually sells the little paper poppies around this time for us to purchase and wear, I like the idea of a little more permanent one!
The nice thing about this poppy is it has a safety pin on the back, so it stays in place better than the official poppies from the legion.
Ooh, your poppy is splendid! 🙂
Thank you. Laura’s pattern is a really good simple knit.
An important note about the donations for poppies….it goes back to the veterans through Veteran’s Affairs…..my Late Nana’s second husband served and is now receiving benefits from Veteran’s Affairs to help pay for his nursing home. They are a great symbol and a worthy cause.
Thanks for clarifying, Meghan. My Grandpa received support as well, and it made a huge difference for him and my grandmother.