Digital Poppies

If there's one thing that this coronavirus pandemic has shown us, it's that the things we hold near and dear might be changed for the foreseeable future. Gatherings of all sizes have been restricted across the world to help prevent the spread of the virus, and that means things like hockey games, celebrations, and traditional observances have all been affected. I hadn't really given it much thought until I was doing was reading tonight, but traditional Remembrance Day ceremonies we see annually in Canada will also be forced to change with these new measures in place. In saying that, we should still show our respect for the brave men and women who stood up to those who threatened what we hold dearly.

I wear my poppy proudly before and on November 11 each year because I hold the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces in high regard for their courage and bravery. While most of the people who see that poppy over my heart are usually my co-workers, that's not the case this year with me working from home.

How can we still show our resepct for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present, if we're not gathering with our poppies proudly worn?

The Royal Canadian Legion has set up a site where you can get a virtual poppy like one I have above or dedicate a virtual poppy to someone specific through their new site, My Poppy. While it might be different than what we're normally used to, with everyone working virtually and living more virtually the My Poppy option seems like a smart and effective way to contnue to show your support for our military and the sacrifices made in protectng our freedoms.

The poppy from My Poppy will be sent to your email where you can download it and use it across all your online options such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels. By doing so, you're continuing to show your support of our military veterans and those who didn't come home while keeping those men and women who came before us much safer by not congregating near them as we know that more life-experienced folks are at greater risk with this virus.

Honestly, this show of support is entirely the most respectful way to continue to respect the brave men and women of our military this year, and I encourage you to make a poppy or two or a dozen if you can through the My Poppy site. Perhaps one of the biggest pluses of this virtual poppy? You're not going to be stabbed by the stick pin that the poppies normally are affixed by on a lapel!

All jokes aside, let's continue to support our Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present, with a strong show of respect by virtually wearing our poppies. It takes about 30 seconds to create the poppy image above over on the My Poppy site, but the show of respect for everything our brave men and women have done, currently do, and will do in the future will go a long way when seen by those who have served.

Lest we forget, Canada. Do your part.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!