Once again, the Vancouver City Hall front lawn is covered with poppies and feathers handmade by VSB students. This year’s installation marks the 10th year for this tradition! 

Ms. Carla Pace, who retired from the VSB, came back to assist teachers who are keeping the tradition alive and thriving. This year, Ms. Miller’s class at Queen Elizabeth Elementary took on the reins. On November 1, students donned on their rain boots and rain jackets and braved the wet and cold weather to create a garden of peace. Each flower and feather carries a meaning and significance.  Signs were on display to showcase the special meanings.

The meaning of orange feathers:

“Our orange feathers honour Indigenous veterans. Indigenous veterans have served in all major conflicts since World War I, and faced challenges both during and after their service. Thousands of First Nations, Métis and Inuit soldiers served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and modern conflicts like Afghanistan. Indigenous veterans bring a special cultural perspective to their service.”

The meaning of red poppies:

“In Canada, the red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and respect for fallen soldiers, particularly those who served in World War I, World War II and other conflicts. Canadians wear red poppies to honour veterans and those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The tradition of wearing poppies comes from the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’ written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, which describes red poppies growing on soldiers' graves after the battles of WWI in Belgium.”

This year grades 5/6 students in Ms Miller’s class showcased white poppies for peace for the first time.  Here, they describe what the white flower means:

“We chose white poppies to symbolize the hope we have that our world will be at peace, providing a safe place for everyone to live, learn and grow.”

“In Canada, the white poppy symbolizes a commitment to peace and remembrance for all victims of war, including both civilians and soldiers. The white poppy was introduced by the Peace Pledge Union in the 1930s in the UK as an alternative to the red poppy. The white poppy is meant to complement, not replace, the red poppy.”

We hope that when passing by 12th and Cambie St., onlookers stop and take a moment to view the beautiful display, that they are reminded about all the little hands that have touched the poppies and feathers and the meaning behind each one.