How much is a Poppy Worth?

It's only 2 days before Remembrance Day (or Veteran's Day for our US friends), and I'm saddened by the fact that I haven't seen many people wear a commemorative poppy with pride. I'm gonna tell you a story...

I was at Indigo about a week ago and a half ago. My husband dropped us off while he quickly ran to Superstore, which is right beside it. The Kids and I didn't want to go with him, so we went to Indigo instead. Anyways, upon ordering beverages and banana loaves, I noticed the poppy fund box on the side of the till. It was the first one I had seen so I gave my kids $5 each to contribute to the poppy fund and pick a poppy out to put on the lapels of their coats. A mom behind me kind of scoffed, dropped a dime into the box and took two poppies for her and her child. I didn't say anything, but she was quick to loudly whisper to the barista, "That woman just put four $5 bills into this box. Don't you think that's too much? Must be nice to just have money like that for something plastic like a poppy that will just fall off in half an hour."

I normally wouldn't say anything. Okay, that's not true. I generally like to quip up if I feel like I'm being embarrassed or if I get called out, so I whipped around and said to her plain and simple, "Because someone died to defend my rights." Flipped my hair and off I went. Okay, so I didn't flip my hair. I smiled through my teeth and glared at her until she turned red. "Lest we forget"rings true in the air. Unfortunately, it seems like we have. Though our teachers teach our children about remembrance day, It is our duty as parents to teach them what it means to you, and what it means to your family.  How important remembering is to your family's history.

I'm a millennial living in Canada. Unlike some of my fellow countrymen and women, I have not defended my country in times of war, but I am honoured, grateful and proud of the men and women who have on my behalf. Because of this, I teach my children that the very least they can do as still young children living in Canada and watching the affects and changes of wars and conflict through the comfort of our television, the least they can do is remember those who served and died for us. One way to do this is to purchase a poppy. So, how much is a Poppy worth to you?

lest $5 is nothing. We owe our veterans time, resources, money...support.

Wear your poppy with pride.