.jpg)
Lest we forget.
On Remembrance Day, Indigenous Veteran’s Day, and throughout November, the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) recognizes and remembers the enduring legacy of all those who served, those who sacrificed their lives, and those who continue to carry the memory of their service. We honour their courage and commitment to defending peace and freedom in Canada and around the world.
Each year in Canada, people wear a red poppy to physically honour and remember those who served.
Ahead of Remembrance Day 2026, we asked U of GH students what wearing a poppy personally means to them. Here is what they said:
Sandro Italiano, Business Administration
“To me, wearing a poppy is a way to honour and remember those who sacrificed so much for our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. It is an opportunity to express my gratitude for their bravery and recognize the sacrifices of veterans and those who continue to serve our country. Wearing a poppy reminds me of the importance of never forgetting their sacrifices and never taking our freedom for granted.”
Arun Narumathan, Justice Studies
"To me, wearing a poppy is a reminder of the sacrifices made and the courage shown by the brave soldiers who served before us. It's a small gesture, but one that carries a much greater meaning of gratitude, respect, and remembrance."
Amber Boudreau, Psychology
“To me, wearing a poppy is a quiet but powerful reminder that the lives we lead today are woven together with the courage, sacrifices, and stories of those who came before us. It represents gratitude for the freedoms we experience today, compassion for the lives and families forever changed by conflict, and a commitment to carrying forward values of peace, empathy, and humanity. Above all, it reminds me that remembrance is more than honouring the past; it is a promise to cherish the present and help shape a future where compassion guides our actions and peace is something we nurture together."
Caprice Semkiw-Blackburn, Media and Communication Studies
“To me, wearing a poppy is more than showing your gratitude; it's showing an understanding for those who put their life on the line for others. When I wear a poppy, I think about my loved ones who have been affected and still live with the hardships in their day-to-day. I am grateful to be given the chance to represent them, even if it's just a poppy on my shirt, because I know it means so much more than that."
Christian Matienzo, Kinesiology
“I believe the poppy represents the contrast between the beauty of the world and the suffering that has taken place within it. Wearing a poppy is a way to honour the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, while reminding ourselves to never take our freedom and peace for granted.”
Stefano De Sancits, Kinesiology
“[What wearing the poppy means to me is] the freedom to express my opinion, have disagreements, debates, and important uncomfortable conversations.”
We encourage further learning about this history, including the country’s contributions during World War I and World War II, Indigenous peoples and war, and more. The Humber and University of Guelph-Humber Library’s “In Remembrance” collection offers a curated list of reading to enhance learning about why we remember.