The white poppy, a small cloth pin to wear on a coat or jacket, originated as a pledge for peace in the UK after World War I by women who had lost their husbands, sons, brothers and sweethearts to war. It is an alternative and a complement to the red poppy worn on lapels in Canada for Remembrance Day.
White poppies are intended to remember all victims of war, to call for dialogue and to show commitment for building a culture of peace.
Locally, white poppies are sponsored by KAIROS, an ecumenical church group initiative to for peace, environmental justice and human rights in Canada and the world.
Sandra Hartline, Nelson