A “Poppy” of Color: Why This Flower Keeps Appearing in Hockey

If you’ve been tuning in to the Vegas Golden Knights games recently, or other hockey games, there’s something you may have spotted. Many of the coaches and other staff are wearing a red flower over their left lapel area.

So…what’s the deal?

November is upon us, and with it comes an important date for a few countries, like Canada and the United States. That date is November 11.

For several countries, like France and Canada, November 11 marks Remembrance Day (or Armistice Day). Remembrance Day is a memorial day for these countries to remember those in the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. It falls on the anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

To show their recognition of the solemn day, many people will wear red poppies. They should be worn directly over one’s heart (the left chest area). The poppy was chosen because during WWI, through trench-digging and artillery explosions that ripped European landscapes apart, fields of poppies flourished. It was the sight of these flowers that inspired the poem “In Flanders Field,” by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, and subsequently the association between the poppies and remembrance.

In the United States, November 11 marks Veterans Day, which is just slightly different. Veterans Day honors all veterans, but especially those still living. As such, Americans don’t typically wear poppies on this day, but rather on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May).

That doesn’t mean U.S. citizens can’t wear one on this day. In fact, many organizations that help veterans will sell poppies this time of year. The proceeds then go to the organization to support their veteran programs.

There you have it, folks! There’s actually a good reason why this flower keeps popping up everywhere.

The Golden Knights will be hosting their Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, November 13. They will be taking on the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena.