Every year on November 11, Canadians come together to remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Remembrance Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity, a day to pause and honour those who protected the freedoms we enjoy today.
In Brantford, Paris, and across Canada, the traditions of Remembrance Day are woven into our communities: ceremonies at cenotaphs, the quiet stillness of the moment of silence, and the unmistakable presence of the red poppy worn close to the heart.
While the poppy remains the most recognizable symbol of remembrance, flowers of many kinds play a meaningful role in paying tribute to loved ones, veterans, and fallen soldiers.
The Meaning Behind the Red Poppy
The red poppy has been the emblem of remembrance since the First World War. Inspired by Lt. Col. John McCrae’s famous poem In Flanders Fields, the poppy represents:
- The resilience of life in the face of loss
- Hope returning after hardship
- A symbol of gratitude that bridges generations
Wearing a poppy is a small act with a powerful message: We remember. We honour. We will not forget.
Flowers and Their Role in Remembering
While poppies are worn, fresh flowers are often placed at memorials, cenotaphs, cemeteries, and in personal spaces of reflection. Certain blooms carry deep meaning:
| Flower | Symbolism | Meaning on Remembrance Day |
|---|---|---|
| Red Roses | Love and Respect | Honouring someone who served with devotion |
| White Lilies | Peace and Purity | Remembering those who have passed |
| Chrysanthemums | Tribute and Memory | Widely used in remembrance ceremonies |
| Carnations (Red or White) | Admiration and Honor | Often used in wreaths and memorial sprays |
At McCormick Florist, we create respectful and thoughtfully designed remembrance arrangements using these blooms and other seasonal flowers. Whether you’re attending a service or marking the day quietly at home, we can help you choose a fitting tribute.
Local Remembrance Traditions in Brantford & Paris
You’ll find ceremonies and memorial gatherings held throughout:
- Brantford: At the Cenotaph in downtown Brantford and local Legions
- Paris: At the Paris Cenotaph and community remembrance services
Many families also:
- Place flowers at gravestones of veterans
- Display remembrance arrangements in their homes
- Send bouquets to family members of those who served
Even a simple vase of red and white flowers can become a meaningful symbol of honour in your home.
Creating a Personal Tribute
If you’re unsure where to begin, here are meaningful ways to incorporate flowers into your remembrance:
- Place a bouquet at a cenotaph or memorial
- Gift flowers to a veteran or their family
- Display a remembrance arrangement at your table or entryway
- Include a handwritten note of gratitude
Sometimes the smallest gestures speak the loudest.
McCormick Florist: Here to Help You Honour and Remember
As a local florist serving Brantford, Paris, and the surrounding area, we are honoured to help families and individuals express gratitude and remembrance through flowers. Our arrangements are crafted with care, respect, and understanding of the meaning this day holds.
We offer:
- Custom remembrance bouquets
- Wreaths and memorial arrangements
- Same-day delivery in Brantford and Paris
- Pickup at our shop located at 265 King George Road, Brantford
Order Your Remembrance Arrangement
If you are planning to honour Remembrance Day this year, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Order online: www.mccormickflorist.ca
Call us: (519) 752-6200
Visit us: McCormick Florist, inside Forest of Flowers Brantford
We remember. We honour. We will not forget.
Beyond The Bouquet 