We might not always think about the importance of wearing a poppy, and a Navy veteran wants us to know that it really shows support for our troops, past and present. 

Scott Stroh served for 16 years, and he says it means a lot to him when he sees Canadians wearing a poppy. 

“It’s a beautiful sight,” he says. “It's nice to see people embrace what the poppy means.” 

Scott Stroh holding his young son, Spencer, standing in front of the HMCS Fredericton. Veteran Scott Stroh holding his young son, Spencer, standing in front of the HMCS Fredericton. (Photo submitted)

Our red poppy is a symbol of remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and it is a symbol of hope for a peaceful future. 

Stroh says Canadians can show support for our troops by wearing a poppy. 

“By putting on a poppy, you're showing personally your dedication to the symbology of Remembrance Day,” he says. “Another big thing would be to thank somebody who's currently serving or who has served.” 

Stroh says the poem In Flanders Fields evokes a lot of emotion as it reminds us of the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. 

"In Flanders Fields" is a poem written during the First World War by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae after he presided over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war. So many years later, his poem continues to poignantly express the tragedy of the losses of war, and the importance of carrying on their memories. - www.legion.ca 

In Flanders Fields 

BY JOHN MCCRAE 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow 
Between the crosses, row on row, 
    That mark our place; and in the sky 
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly 
Scarce heard amid the guns below. 


We are the Dead. Short days ago 
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie, 
        In Flanders fields. 
 

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 
To you from failing hands we throw 
    The torch; be yours to hold it high. 
    If ye break faith with us who die 
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 
        In Flanders fields.

Scott Stroh holding his young son, Spencer, on the deck of the HMCS Montreal, the ship he served on.Scott Stroh holding his son, Spencer, on the deck of the HMCS Montreal, the ship he served on. (Photo submitted)

Stroh says he felt a calling at the age of 17 to serve our country, even with the risks involved.

"I think it's a beautiful thing to want to serve your country and your community in that capacity," he says.