Symbolic Tribute: Cape Breton Remembrance Day Display Features 100 Crocheted Poppies
The universal symbol for Remembrance Day received a unique interpretation in North Sydney. Approximately 100 crocheted poppies decorate the front lawn of the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library and the North Sydney Heritage Museum on Commercial Street.
Origin of the Project
Cathy MacLeod from Groves Point, who organizes the weekly fibre lunch group at the library, explained the idea began with Paul and Sherry Finney, owners of Escape Outdoors.
“They took a trip to England last year and when she came back, she was telling me that they had seen this display in England of knit and crocheted poppies and I said that would be a great idea for our group,” said MacLeod.
“She brought in a picture to show me and then I brought it up with the ladies and they were all extremely enthusiastic and very positive about it.”
Community Involvement and Display
The fibre lunch group began the project in August, creating the poppies with help from other community members. The finished pieces were installed in the display over the weekend by Paul Finney.
Personal Connection to Veterans
Many of the 14 group members have family ties to veterans, making the project especially meaningful.
“To honour the veterans and kind of in a different way,” said Anne MacDougall of North Sydney, a participant in the group. “The poppy is so symbolic of Remembrance Day but to have it in that kind of a display, I’ve never heard of knitted poppies until now. As far as my family, Remembrance Day has always been an event that we always attend at the cenotaph.”
Summary
This creative poppy display offers a heartfelt, community-driven tribute to veterans through a unique craft tradition, deepening the meaning of Remembrance Day in North Sydney.
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