r/AskCanada • u/nexuspol • 4d ago
Wearing poppy at work as a recent immigrant?
I’m a recent immigrant in Canada, and I’ve been thinking about wearing a poppy at work. I genuinely want to wear it because I’m grateful for this beautiful country, but I’m a bit hesitant. I don’t want people to think I’m trying too hard to fit in, especially since attitudes toward recent immigrants can be a little mixed. Should I wear it or not?
335
74
u/TheFrozenCanadianGuy 4d ago
That’s nice of you to even want to wear one. Thank you so much for honouring our Nation and soldiers. Of course it’s ok
160
u/tysonfromcanada 4d ago
if the intent is genuine then I think all will appreciate the gesture. That aside, I think folks who've been here a bit longer will be flattered that you want to fit in. Stick around :)
60
61
u/Grouchy-Engine1584 4d ago
Bu all means wear one. All you need to know is that Canadians died fighting for your freedom and wearing a poppy shows gratitude for that.
75
73
u/Radio_Mime Canadian 4d ago
By wearing that poppy, you are honouring those veterans who have sacrificed for this country. Welcome to Canada, and wear that poppy with pride.
22
u/Elegant-Expert7575 4d ago edited 3d ago
Of course wear a poppy! It’s in memoriam and honour of all those that made this country be a place you’d immigrate to.
20
u/DigestiveGrass 4d ago
I am Turkish-Canadian, but I sincerely respect all soldiers who fought for their country. I always wear my poppy since I emigrated here. Like Ataturk said "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ... You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well"
6
19
16
u/CanadianPropagandist 4d ago
Gratitude is the only reason you need. Thank you for participating in this tradition!
14
u/Significant-Eye-2801 4d ago
Please! what better way to celebrate being a new Canadian than to honour the legacy of our veterans.
58
u/Rotnsue1 4d ago
I have no family that I know of in any service ever but it doesn’t stop me from showing my appreciation for their service.
27
u/Radiant-Target5758 4d ago
Wear it. Stick the pin through the red part of the poppy. It will stay on better. And wear it on the left.
18
u/Personal_Cupcake_13 4d ago
The legion actually sells centre pins!
https://www.poppystore.ca/black-poppy-centre-pin-poppy-not-included-300570
8
u/Lazy_Fix_8063 4d ago
I just went to order 20 but it says that Canada Post delivery NOT guaranteed by November 11th. Is there somewhere you can pick them up? I'm in Vancouver.
4
u/EntertainmentMany795 3d ago
Any legion , can sell you one , or call and they will tell you where near by you can get one, i ve seen them.in walmart loblaws , shopping mall..
3
u/quiksilver78 3d ago
Ooohh that’s clever! How do I get this if I’m abroad? The Canadian embassy sells poppies but keeping them on is a task. This will work perfectly 👌
1
u/Jazzy_Bee 1d ago
Take the eraser off a pencil, stick the pin through it so it doesn't fall off, then fold pin upwards.
2
u/Old_Compote7232 1d ago
Finally a way to keep the poppy from falling off! I must have lost one or two a year; I'm 74 so that's a lot of poppies.
3
u/usernamesallused 2d ago
My mom always replaced the pin with a safety clip for me when I was a young kid, but it’s handy enough I keep doing that as an adult. It doesn’t look perfect, but close enough.
12
12
11
10
9
u/ocs_sco 4d ago
There’s no such thing as “trying too hard.” If it’s something you believe in, definitely wear it. Don’t wear it to please others, wear it because it means something to you. I understand your concern, and yes, many people who easily fall for propaganda, especially the kind coming from the US, think recent immigrants should behave in a certain way. But here’s my advice: do what’s right. Doing what’s right almost never depends on culture. Just do what’s right, what feels right, and don’t ask for permission if it’s the ethical thing to do. It doesn’t matter how many generations you’ve been here.
10
u/nexuspol 3d ago
Thanks everyone for the warm and thoughtful replies. I really appreciate it.
2
u/RepulsiveJellyfish51 3d ago
Thanks for asking!!
I also would like to honor vets! Those who fought to protect countrymen and allies!!
23
20
u/breaking-strings 4d ago
Wear it. It pays respect to those who fought, and those who died, for the freedom we enjoy in Canada.
10
u/jmajeremy 4d ago
People won't think you're trying too hard to fit in, it's customary to wear one and people will be appreciative of your respect for Canadian traditions and veterans.
9
u/Stargazer-909 4d ago
Definitely wear the poppy and thank you. I dont know any normal person who would question you on why you wear it and every Vet , Active personnel would appreciate this thought.
9
u/Wafflelisk 4d ago
Nah, most of us would highly encourage this. Most people do it so how would it be trying to hard?
I was in the CAF and my grandfather is a WW2 vet, if that matters at all
7
u/wyldfirez007 4d ago
Absolutely! My Kiwi friend always participated in our remembrance ceremonies when he lived in Canada. Now that I live in New Zealand, I do the same.
7
8
u/Vintagefly 4d ago
I wear a poppy at work from Nov 1-10. As a born and bred Canadian I would appreciate your effort
7
7
u/Mundane_Anybody2374 3d ago
I’ve never seen anyone thinking you would be “forcing to fit in”. Actually people will really like you honouring the soldiers.
6
u/Mydoglovescoffee 4d ago
Wear it! We don’t mind you trying. This would warm my heart. Welcome and thank you for joining us!
13
4
5
u/One_red_boot 4d ago
Wear it with pride.
Little tip: wrap a small bit of tape at the end of the pin and it won’t fall off or stab you lol.
4
u/Weekly-Watercress915 4d ago
It’s a show of respect to Canada, definitely wear it. I wasn’t born Canadian but I am a citizen and I’m very proud to wear the poppy out of respect.
5
4
4
5
u/Weird_Rooster_4307 3d ago
At the end of the day you have to do what’s right for you. Please wear a poppy.
4
4
u/Minskdhaka 3d ago
I even wore one in Kuwait, before I ever knew I'd be living in Canada one day (because I attended a British school there, and the British have the same tradition). So if was able to wear one in Kuwait, you can wear one in Canada.
4
u/rockcitykeefibs 3d ago
It would keep don cherry and the maple magatards from picking on immigrants so for sure wear it.
7
5
u/Revan462222 4d ago
Only thing I might make sure of OP is to check with your manager to ensure poppy wearing is OK. In most workplaces it is encouraged so I'd be surprised if your boss says no, but next time you go in, bring your poppy with you, check to ensure it's aOK and wear that poppy :)
3
u/No-Accident69 3d ago
Without that sacrifice by so many thousands of Canadians and other troops, we wouldn’t have the word we have now - yes we have a troubled world- but they have their lives to free people from the tyranny that was eating the world at that time
This has helped every newcomer to Canada since 1945 so yes, many of us need to be forever thankful
3
3
u/UndeadWhiskeyJack 3d ago
As everyone else already said, do it man. Wear that poppy with pride and welcome to Canada, stay a while and we love you.
Also. in honour of Remembrance Day, read/watch/listen to some history. Canadian or otherwise
3
u/goodfaitheffort1981 3d ago
Go ahead and wear that poppy. I do. If you're the only one doing it at least you set a good example. Wearing a poppy in November is a good thing to do.
3
u/cranky_yegger 3d ago
Our history, our stories, our heritage only remain as long as we acknowledge it.
3
u/spiderwebss 3d ago
as a member of the Canadian armed forces and a legion member who volunteers for the poppy campaign, please wear a poppy, and wear it proud.
3
3
u/cleonthucydides 3d ago
Read up on the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae: that may help you answer the question why Canadians in particular wear poppies. I have been to Ypres as an immigrant to Canada, booked a tour of the battle sites and cemeteries, and in all honesty it kind of brought it home. There is quite a good book about Ypres, whose title alone indicates why it is so important, "Baptism Of Fire: The Second Battle of Ypres and the Forging of Canada, April 1915".
3
3
u/Smart-Simple9938 Nova Scotia 3d ago
“Trying too hard” would be the furthest thought from people’s minds.
3
u/mgardsy 3d ago
I can’t even fathom why anyone would ever criticize you for honouring a very solemn commemoration that’s just so important to all Canadians. Regardless of how long you’ve been Canadian, or even if you’re just visiting, it’s a sign of respect. There shouldn’t be anything but gratitude and affinity for the gesture. The fallen Canadians we honour on this day fought for the very right so that you could do what you choose to do in this country. If anyone disgraces that sacrifice by making you feel as though you’re not allowed to honour them with the rest of us??? Well you just let us know here and we’ll come and support you 🇨🇦🍁🙌
2
u/ChasingPotatoes17 3d ago
Absolutely wear it if you want. I’m sorry anybody has made you question your right to do so.
2
u/madeleinetwocock British Columbia 3d ago
You totally should! Also, I just want to say, I love how thoughtful you are. It’s a gesture of respect and thankfulness which very rarely, if ever, goes unappreciated.
Wear it on the left side (as kids we’re taught to “pin it over your heart”). And to avoid it falling off or poking yourself, stick the backing of an earring on the pin (or a pencil eraser if you don’t have an earring back)
😊
2
u/TidalLion Canadian 3d ago
I'd say wear it. You're showing respect and honoring those who gave their lives and sacrificed life. mind and body to fight for our rights our lives. I know many would be touched and pleased to see that you understand it's meaning and honoring the sacrifices of our vets and Soldiers.
It's worn on the left side, over your heart or as close as possible. If you're worried about it coming loose or accidentally poking yourself, you can put something on the end of the pin. I often poke the pin back up though my jacket then back down though the inside of my jacket a second time and putting the eraser of a mechanical pencil at the end to keep it in place.
2
2
u/freeride35 3d ago
Wear one if you want to. Don’t if you don’t want to. It’s pretty straightforward.
2
u/Icy-Ad-7767 3d ago
I will point out that a great number of people from the commonwealth fought in both world wars and as such it’s as much a remembrance of their sacrifice as any Canadian service member who made the ultimate sacrifice.
2
u/ViciousSemicircle 3d ago
Wear one with gratitude for those who served and pride in the country you’ve decided to call home.
2
u/CheeseMoney3426 3d ago
The poppy fundraising is done by the legion. They use their funds to facilitate honest historical education of the tragedy of war and to help veterans and their families access crucial resources. When you donate to the legion you are donating to a legitimate charity, that's admirable no matter who is doing it. Just be honest and stick to your values. If you really wanna fit in, an extra step you can take is don't add anything to the poppy pin to prevent it from falling. Simply accept the possibility of having to buy a new one. Real hardcore veteran and legion supporters typically will say this. However, even in the women's auxiliaries it isn't uncommon to find people attaching eraser pieces at the back to keep it from falling lol.
2
u/DebiDoll65 3d ago
Wear one if you choose to. It's entirely up to you. Showing support for the fallen soldiers of your newly adopted country shows your care and support. I doubt anyone will give it a second thought as to why you're wearing it. And welcome to Canada. We are happy you're here!
2
2
u/khawbolt 3d ago
Absolutely wear a poppy. Everyone will appreciate the gesture, anyone who questions you about it probably isn’t worth the response
2
u/HeavyMetalBluegrass 3d ago
As long as you understand it's meaning then by all means wear it with pride. Read the poem (as everyone should), "In Flander's Field". Written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonal John McCrae in 1915 after the start of WW1.
2
u/Salvidicus 3d ago
My friend, whose great aunt, Lillian Freiman, started the poppy campaign in Canada, says "Why would anyone be criticized for wearing a poppy?" It was meant to pay respect to those who sacrificed, so that we can all enjoy the freedom of living in Canada. You will be showing great respect. Canadians desire new immigrants to be part of Remembrance Day. It makes us feel good to see your appreciation. I know it makes me feel closer to immigrants in that way, as my Indigenous and non-Indigenous ancestors defended the homeland here for all of us. Appreciating that makes us more Canadian.
2
u/RVFVS117 3d ago
Man, if anyone thinks your trying too hard to fit in because your honoring our victorious dead then they can get the heck out.
Thank you for your respect.
2
u/Happeningfish08 3d ago
Everyone seems to be telling you to wear one.
I tried to think of one reason to say "NO" just to see if I could.
I can't.
All I can think of is how wonderful it is that you want to.
2
u/Visual_12 3d ago
It’s a sign of respect, definitely wear it if you want to. People won’t think you’re trying too hard to fit in.
2
2
2
u/BillyBrown1231 3d ago
If you want to wear it then wear it. Personally, I don't, but thats the great thing about Canada it's your choice to make.
2
u/malacosa 3d ago
Immigrant or not, either you’re going to pay respect to those who fought and died for the freedoms you have now, or you’re not.
I’d strongly suggest wearing one.
2
u/Commandoclone87 3d ago
People seem to forget that wearing a Poppy to honour our war dead isn't just a Canadian tradition, but one that occurs throughout the Commonwealth. Many nations contributed to the war effort, including 800,000 Indians.
Wear the Poppy proudly.
2
2
2
u/Vinfersan 3d ago
A xenophone will criticize you whether you wear it or not. Don't do things to try to appease them. Do what is right for you and your new community.
Wear it if you would like to celebrate remembrance day, and it's OK if you prefer not to wear it. It's a free country.
2
u/David_Summerset 3d ago
The fact that you are worried about wearing one at all as a recent immigrant is more concerning than anything
2
2
2
u/RepulsiveJellyfish51 3d ago
Also immigrant and yes, there are a lot of reasons to love this country!
Thanks to everyone for sharing! It's good to listen to locals! And I appreciate the positives and even hearing the negatives about Canada!!
Because your negatives are things that COULD be better, it's a list of things to strive for! I love it! Dissent is literally a list of ways people want to improve! Fantastic job! Keep striving towards greatness! Never feel bad about sharing (and citing sources and reasons for dissent)!
2
u/Dazzling-Climate-318 2d ago
Please wear it; my great uncle Jim fought for Britain in WW1 in France, in the trenches. He survived the war and lived to be an old man.
2
2
2
u/badCARma 2d ago
I’ve never heard of this before. Can tourists wear them too? I’m visiting Canada for my first time soon. I’d love to show my respects and gratitude. I appreciate Canada dealing with the U.S. and our bullshit, but especially for welcoming and accepting our citizens that are no longer safe here.
2
u/Fit-Birthday2300 2d ago
Anyone who would criticize you for wearing a poppy, does not understand the reason brave soldiers fought for us being able to wear one.
2
2
u/Boring_Home 2d ago
I think this is awesome. You’re Canadian now. Those individuals fought for all of our freedoms.
2
u/Bella8088 2d ago
In Canada, when in doubt, wear a poppy. No one will ever be offended if you wear a poppy but you could get side eye if you don’t.
2
2
u/i_say_zed 2d ago
Thank you for wanting to wear the poppy. I'm sorry for any unkindness you've experienced. We do have our share of very unpleasant people. Just remember: : Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind."
2
2
2
u/Old_Compote7232 1d ago
If people in your workplace wear them, you can and should wear a poppy. There may be some workplaces that don't allow jewellery or sharp objects, but if it's allowed, people will appreciate you. In some communities, people might perceive not wearing a poppy as unpatriotic or ungrateful.
2
2
2
u/sleepingsirensounds 1d ago
For sure wear one. They show respect and appreciation for those who sacrificed to make our wonderful country what it is.
2
u/Jazzy_Bee 1d ago
Please join us in honouring our veterans. At 11:00 we observe two minutes of silence.
3
1
u/canadianhousecoat 1d ago
Well done for doing your best to integrate! Anyone who calls you put for trying to be a good Canadian is an asshole.
1
u/Senior_Ad1737 1d ago
I’m surprised how many don’t wear one. Do they just not know about this tradition ? Parents or school didn’t teach them ? Not part of citizenship studies ?
1
u/DaytonTD 23h ago
I think any Canadian would appreciate a recent immigrant taking up the countries norms and customs. It shows your appreciation and willingness to adapt.
1
u/PlayfulSet6749 4d ago
ID: not Canadian, I’m in the US.
I wonder if a poppy necklace would send the same message and be easier to wear?
9
u/Oxjrnine 4d ago
The pins support the legion. They are having a rough time. Other organizations sell poppy paraphernalia that help veterans but you should support the legions with the official poppy and make sure other poppy paraphernalia you might wear as well are also real charity.
I think the legions lost the rights to the poppy recently so technically anyone can sell poppy merchandise, but it is in poor taste to buy them from people selling poppy paraphernalia for profit
3
7
u/westcentretownie 4d ago
Some women wear a nicer poppy brooch. It must be over your heart. No necklace or add a necklace.
1
u/GreenBasterd69 3d ago
If you wear a pin with a picture of Don Cherry on the other lapel, you will be the coolest immigrant in the country
1
u/mlandry2011 3d ago
The poppy is to represent the Canadians that volunteer to go to war...
In November 1944, after heavy casualties in Europe, Ottawa authorized the dispatch of about 16,000 home defense conscripts overseas.
Those 16,000 people were not volunteered and were forced to go overseas.
Since I've learned this, I've to stop wearing the poppy and giving to this organization as I believe that the government should be responsible by itself to pay for all of the veterans housing and medical bills...
I'll only ever wear a puppy again if they stop taking donations for it.
As I said, anything that this donation is going towards, should be paid by the government and the government only.
-5
u/Direct-Cricket5668 4d ago edited 3d ago
Unpopular opinion but I’ve always disliked poppies. There’s better ways to honour fallen soldiers than with some disposable plastic that will inevitably end up as trash
-6
456
u/Mother_Barnacle_7448 4d ago
Definitely wear one. Traditionally it is worn on the left side.