FAQs
The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. The Legion's lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with any pin that obstructs the Poppy. Also available through some Branches is the Legion's reusable black centre Poppy pin to affix your lapel Poppy.
How long should you wear a poppy after Remembrance Day? ›
The official stance of the Royal British Legion is that you can wear a poppy any time during the year as it commemorates those who lost their lives in war. Traditionally, they say, people stop wearing a Poppy after Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday, which takes place on the second Sunday in November.
What does the poppy appeal go towards? ›
Where does the money go? We use the money raised to provide support to the Armed Forces community in six key areas: Financial Support, Advice, Employment, Mobility, Housing and Mental Health.
Why is the Remembrance poppy so controversial? ›
In the years following the War of Independence, the poppy was particularly controversial, with Irish nationalists seeing it as a provocative symbol of British imperialism. In Dublin, British Legion marchers often had poppies snatched from their lapels, which led to street fights.
How do you dispose of a poppy respectfully? ›
Dispose of it respectfully
“You don't need to get an altar and burn them in a special pot or anything like that,” he told CP24. It's also common to leave poppies on war memorials, such as the tomb of the unknown soldier. Just make sure not to litter — it's disrespectful to the dead and the living.
What is the correct way for a lady to wear a poppy? ›
There is no 'correct' way to wear a poppy
Wearing a poppy is a personal choice reflecting individual and personal memories. It's a matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they choose to wear it.
Is it OK not to wear a poppy? ›
Why do some people choose not to wear a poppy? The Royal British Legion says wearing a poppy is a personal choice and it should be about your own thoughts and memories.
Who refused to wear a poppy? ›
James McClean does not wear a remembrance poppy because he feels it would be a mark of disrespect to innocent people who lost their lives during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, particularly those from his hometown of Derry, where the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre occurred.
How much should you pay for a poppy? ›
How much should I donate for a poppy? You are encouraged to donate as much as you want to support the Legion, but the general guidance is to donate at least £1 for the traditional paper lapel poppy. For a silk poppy you should donate at least £3 and £2.50 for a wooden remembrance cross with a poppy.
What is a poppy in slang? ›
noun. informal. a person who has a high salary or is otherwise prominent.
The issue is not a theological one, there is no Catholic Church rule to say we should not wear poppies or remember the military dead.
Is it disrespectful to wear more than one poppy? ›
It isn't; it's just customary. Most British people do buy and wear a poppy (often several poppies, as they lose them or forget to transfer them to a different coat or jacket) in the weeks running up to Remembrance Sunday, and any public figure who appeared without one would be liable to criticism in the press.
Why do Americans not wear poppies? ›
There are a variety of reasons why Americans might not wear poppies. Some people may not be aware of the tradition, while others may feel that it is not relevant to their lives. Additionally, some people may view the poppy as a symbol of warfare and choose not to wear it for personal reasons.
Who can wear a poppy on the right? ›
Some believe that men should wear their poppy on the left of their chest and women on the right, but the Royal British Legion say that the only rule is to “wear it with pride.” Some cars and buses also “wear” poppies, but it's not so common.
What date is appropriate to wear a poppy? ›
CAF members shall wear the poppy on all uniforms from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day (November 11th) and are encouraged to wear it when attending any event whose main purpose is to commemorate Canadians who died in battle.”
Is it disrespectful to not wear a poppy on Remembrance Day? ›
It is a matter of personal choice whether an individual chooses to wear a poppy and also how they choose to wear it.
What is the etiquette for Remembrance Day? ›
Do wear your poppy on the left, close to your heart. Although, there is never a wrong time for wearing the poppy, it is typically worn from the last Friday of October until the closing of the commemoration ceremony. When attending a memorial service, it is appropriate to dispose of it at the bottom of the monument.
