Handcrafted poppies and the heart of remembrance in Morinville

By Shelley Winger

As November unfolds and the air turns crisp, communities across Canada begin to pause and
reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day. It’s a time when the red poppy — small, simple,
and deeply symbolic — begins to appear on jackets, scarves, and lapels everywhere. In
Morinville, this powerful emblem of remembrance has taken on a special, handcrafted touch
thanks to the care and creativity of a local resident, Lauri Allen.

This year, visitors to Morinville Town Hall and the Morinville Leisure Centre will notice a
display of beautiful, handmade poppies — each one carefully created by Lauri and offered freely
to anyone who wishes to wear one. Though there is no cost to take a poppy, those who feel
moved to contribute may leave a donation, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Morinville
Legion’s Poppy Campaign.

The Poppy Campaign plays an essential role across Canada, raising funds to support veterans
and their families in times of need. These funds help provide emergency financial assistance,
medical equipment, home visits, and countless other supports that often go unseen but are
deeply
appreciated by those who have served. By making a donation — even a small one — residents
can directly help improve the lives of those who have given so much in service to our country.

The tradition of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance began more than a century ago,
inspired
by the now-famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by Canadian soldier and
physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. McCrae’s words, written after witnessing the
horrors of the First World War, described how bright red poppies grew among the graves of
fallen soldiers in Belgium’s Flanders region. His poem captured both the sorrow and resilience
of
those who fought — and it gave the world a lasting symbol of remembrance.

Today, that same red poppy continues to represent the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of
those who served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. But beyond the well-known
image of the poppy lies something even more personal. Each flower, whether paper, fabric, or
handcrafted like Lauri’s, carries the weight of countless stories — of lives cut short, of families
waiting at home, of communities forever changed by loss and courage.

The handcrafted poppies available in Morinville are more than a creative gesture. They are a
reminder that remembrance can be both national and local — both historical and deeply
personal. Every stitch and petal represents time, thought, and gratitude, extending the meaning
of
remembrance into the heart of the community.

Remembrance Day itself, observed on November 11, marks the end of hostilities in the First
World War, which officially ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
More than a century later, Canadians continue to stop at that exact moment to observe two
minutes of silence, honouring all who have served and those who never returned home. The
silence gives space for reflection — for thinking about the freedoms we have, the lives that
made
them possible, and the continued sacrifices made by those in uniform.

While many associate Remembrance Day with soldiers on the front lines, it’s important to also
remember those who lost their lives in non-combat incidents, peacekeeping missions, training
accidents, and humanitarian efforts. Each of them played a role in defending and serving
Canada,
and each deserves to be remembered.

For those wishing to learn more about the stories behind the names and faces of Canada’s
fallen,
the National Defence website offers detailed accounts and archives that preserve their
memories.
Reading these stories connects us more deeply to the real people behind the poppy —
individuals

who laughed, dreamed, and lived lives filled with love and hope before answering a call to
service that changed everything.

In a world that often moves too fast, gestures like Lauri Allen’s remind us to slow down and
connect with the meaning behind our traditions. A handcrafted poppy may be small, but it
carries
immense significance. It represents community spirit, remembrance, and gratitude — not just on
November 11, but every day we remember those who have served.

When you stop by the Morinville Town Hall or the Morinville Leisure Centre to pick up one of
these poppies, take a moment to reflect on what it stands for. Whether you wear it to a
ceremony,
pin it to your coat, or place it somewhere in your home, let it serve as a quiet reminder: freedom
is never free, and remembrance is never out of season.

This November, Morinville stands together — not only in remembering the past but in
continuing the tradition of gratitude, compassion, and community that keeps those memories
alive.