Symbolic Tribute: Cape Breton Remembrance Day Display Features 100 Crocheted Poppies
A group in North Sydney has added a unique touch to the universal symbol for Remembrance Day. About 100 crocheted poppies are arranged on the front lawn of the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library and the North Sydney Heritage Museum on Commercial Street.
Origin of the Idea
Cathy MacLeod of Groves Point, organizer of the weekly fibre lunch group at the library, explained that the idea came from 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.
After seeing a picture of the display, the fibre lunch group enthusiastically supported the idea.
Project Development and Community Involvement
The fibre lunch group began the project in August and received help from other community members. The finished poppies were arranged in the display installed over the weekend by Paul Finney.
Personal and Community Significance
Many of the group’s 14 members have family ties to veterans, adding deeper meaning to the project.
“To honour the veterans and kind of in a different way,” said group participant Anne MacDougall of North Sydney. “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."
This creative display reflects community spirit and respect for veterans through a meaningful and visually striking tribute.
Author's summary: A North Sydney group honors Remembrance Day veterans by crafting and displaying 100 crocheted poppies, blending tradition with heartfelt community involvement.