With Remembrance Day coming up this Sunday, poppies are finding their way onto the coats and hats of people all over Canada. This week, wearing a poppy is considered a way to demonstrate respect for the many Canadians who lost their lives defending our rights and freedoms.

For Weyburn residents who haven't got their poppy yet, a number of local businesses have them available.

“Poppies are being sold at most businesses all around the City of Weyburn,” said Royal Canadian Legion Branch 47 Manager, Connie Nightingale.

She noted that lapel pins, however, aren't for everyone.

“We also have tables set up at the Co-op and at the Wal-Mart, where we’re not only selling the poppies, but we’re also selling the wristbands,” she said.

Nightingale added that there is a suggested two-dollar donation for the wristbands.

“I purchase the wristbands for my children, because the poppies, for our youth, they definitely lose them more often,” she said. “So that’s the best part of having these bracelets.”

Wearing wristbands are a great alternative to wearing a poppy. An added perk to purchasing one for the suggested toonie donation is the inclusion of John McCrae's poem In Flander's Field in the package (photo by Marna McManus).

She said for those who want a poppy that sticks, fasteners are available.

“At some of our places we do have the backs for our poppies,” she explained. “So, the tables that we have set up at the Wal-Mart and Co-op, they do have the fasteners available there.”

An earring back, or even a small piece of an eraser or a rubber band also work to keep a poppy on fabric.

A Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held in Weyburn at the Cenotaph, next to City Hall, at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11th.

While some actively participate in the ceremony to remember family and friends who fought in a war, others have only a simple gesture of respect... wearing the poppy.

Reasons to buy a poppy (photo by Marna McManus).