REMEMBRANCE DAY is also known as Poppy Day. The deep red flower is worn because poppies were among the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of northern France and Belgium in World War I. The Royal Canadian Legion, Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization, is behind the poppy campaign that raises funds in support of veterans and their families in need.

According to the organization, millions of Canadians wear a poppy as a pledge to never forget those who sacrificed their lives. The symbol should be worn on the left side over the heart.