Remembrance Day ceremonies are wrapping up across the province, bringing with it a question for many: what should I do with my poppy?
The easiest answer is to leave it on wreaths at the local cenotaph, where they've been set up to honour all the veterans who've passed away.
For anyone who can't attend a ceremony, the simplest answer is to throw it away.
But Len Maynard, a 30-year veteran and the former president of the Chatham Legion, says that while it may seem disrespectful, there are no protocols asking people not to do it.
"It did its purpose. People displayed it for the right reasons at the right time," he said.
Maynard understands that some may want to avoid putting their poppies in the trash. For these people, he encourages leaving them at local legions, as many will set up collection boxes, visiting the cenotaph later in the day and placing them on a wreath, and simply setting them aside for next year.
For Maynard, one of the best ways to show your respect is to leave your poppy on the grave of a veteran.
"That would mean a lot to a lot of veterans and their families," he said.
There are several cemeteries across Ontario that have dedicated areas for veterans. This includes Soldier's Field in Chatham, Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia, and Windsor Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
