Symbolic tribute: Cape Breton Remembrance Day display features 100 crocheted poppies

Symbolic Tribute: Cape Breton Remembrance Day Display Features 100 Crocheted Poppies

A special tribute for Remembrance Day has been created by a group in North Sydney using about 100 crocheted poppies. These poppies line the front lawn in front of the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library and the North Sydney Heritage Museum on Commercial Street.

Origins of the Idea

Cathy MacLeod from Groves Point, who organizes the weekly fibre lunch group at the library, explained that the concept 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 Sherry brought a picture of the display, MacLeod discussed it with the group, who all enthusiastically supported the idea.

Group Involvement and Project Execution

Starting in August, the fibre lunch participants collaborated on creating the poppies, with help from other community members. The finished poppies were arranged in the display over the weekend by Paul Finney.

“To honour the veterans and kind of in a different way,” said Anne MacDougall of North Sydney, a group member related to veterans. “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.”

Anne also shared that Remembrance Day has always been an important event for her family, and they consistently attend the cenotaph ceremonies.

Meaning Behind the Display

Many of the group’s 14 members have personal connections to veterans, adding deeper significance to their work and the remembrance symbol.

The crocheted poppy project brought a unique, community-driven way to honour veterans on Remembrance Day.

Author’s summary: This crochet project in North Sydney creates a heartfelt and creative Remembrance Day tribute, blending tradition with community spirit to honour veterans.

SaltWire — 2025-11-07