This year all of Canada will be remembering our war heroes on Remembrance Day Friday, November 11th.
During this solemn time, Royal Canadian Legion branches sell red poppies as a means by which to sustain their worthwhile charitable endeavors. The poppy also gives Canadians a tangible means by which to express their thanks to those who were wounded or more tragically gave their lives in the defence of freedom, justice and democracy. ‘The Canadian Jewish Congress and the World Sikh Organization strongly support the poppy fund and ‘urge all Canadians to join with them in purchasing a poppy this Remembrance Day.
At the same time, however, we urge Canadians to ensure that their poppies are purchased from Legion Branches and Legion members who do not support religious discrimination. ‘The World Sikh Organization and the Canadian Jewish Congress jointly ask Canadians to inquire of Royal Canadian Legion members as to whether or not their Branch supports a restriction on religious headdress within their Legion halls. If so, we would ask that Canadians purchase their poppies from ‘another Legion member or Legion branch, we also ask merchants who are approached by Legion branches to provide space for poppy displays to enquire as to their policy on religious headdress. ‘The weaning of ‘a red poppy on Remembrance Day pays tribute to the thousands of Canadian soldiers who were wounded or gave up their lives in defence of our great country. To wear a poppy proudly, we must ensure that it in tum brings pride and honor to those we wish to remember.
Presented by: World Sikh Organization & Canadian Jewish Congress.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 4, 1994
