You may not know this, but the annual national Poppy campaign organized by the Royal Canadian Legion gets underway today with over 20 million Poppies being distributed across the country.

For two weeks, thousands of Legion members volunteer their time to offer poppies and raise millions that will be provided to Veterans and their families in need.

Tom Eagles is Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was our guest Friday on the Morning Show as we reflected on the importance of the poppy campaign and its lasting relevance.

In Canada, the Poppy has stood as a visual symbol of our Remembrance since 1921. However, its presence over the graves of soldiers, and in the fields of honour, was noted as early as the 19th century after the Napoleonic Wars.

According to the Royal Canadian Legion's website, the reason for its adoption over 100 years later in Canada was due to, in no small part, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae and his now famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”.

We continued our conversation with Tom by discussing the Poppy's symbolism of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and those who are serving today.

And as Tom said, wear your Poppy with pride knowing we live in the best country in the world which was defended by those who gave their lives for our freedoms, and those who serve today to protect them.