Toronto 
Canada Post has released a stamp to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the official adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in Canada.
The Remembrance Poppy (CNW Group/Canada Post)
During the First World War, the appearance of the bright red flowers on the battlefields in France and Belgium inspired Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of Guelph, Ontario, to pen the poem “In Flanders Fields” in May 1915, after he lost a friend in the Second Battle of Ypres. Moved by his words, a number of women and charities began to create poppies made of fabric as a memorial and to raise funds for veterans and families of the fallen. The Great War Veterans’ Association of Canada (the Legion’s predecessor) officially adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance on July 6, 1921. Canada’s first National Poppy Campaign launched later that year.
Canada Post says the concept behind this special stamp was not only to immortalize the crimson flower, but also offer another way to remember the more than 117,000 Canadians who died for their country.
Blair Thomson of the Believe in Studio designed the stamp, which was printed by Colour Innovations. The poppy’s red ink was created specially to match the crimson of the poppy, while metallic ink was used for the pinhead. A stark white background provided the contrast that makes the image pop.
On the Official First Day Cover, the cancel features a stylized “100” to mark the poppy’s centennial as a symbol.The Remembrance Poppy issue includes a booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover.
Recently, Canada Post issued a stamp honouring three soldiers who were awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for their bravery and sacrifice in the First World War.
FOR COLLECTORS
The stamp and collectibles are available at canadapost.ca and postal outlets across Canada.
Cost:
The Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary – Permanent domestic rate stamps – booklet of 10: $9.20
The Remembrance Poppy, 100th Anniversary: Official First Day Cover: $1.92
