OTTAWA, ON, November 8, 2006 - The National Council of Veteran Associations (54 member-groups) stated today that the action of an Alberta organization known as WOMEN IN BLACK to promote a white poppy as a symbol of peace is reprehensible. 

“Canadians have become accustomed to the Legion’s red poppy, and any duplication regardless of colour should be vigorously opposed by the public,” Cliff Chadderton, Chairman of NCVA, stated.

The use of the white poppy was challenged in a further statement from Chadderton who said that the wearing of a white poppy could not be used in tandem with the Legion’s red poppy.   “The members of the Women in Black organization are fooling no one,” he said.

“The NCVA has long supported the Legion’s poppy drive.  It is part of the NCVA policy that any other symbol including a white poppy would be counterproductive in attempting to convince the public in regard to a message of peace,” Chadderton stated.

Canadians have supported The War Amps in its NEVER AGAIN! Program which includes documentaries made by actual veterans who served, and free time media messages.

“In a canvas of the members of NCVA, the message was loud and clear that if a member of the public wears a red poppy and then is asked to wear a white one, it diminishes the meaning of the red poppy which marks the sacrifice of the war dead,” Chadderton said.  “What better anti-war message could anyone want?”

The Legion has the copyright for the red poppy and any similar symbol.

The War Amps symbol (an inverted rifle and helmet) carries a clear message of no more war.  It is, however, never sold and is seen as supportive of the poppy’s message.

“It would be a public disgrace if the Legion had to resort to the courts, as it has the right to do to protect the traditional poppy,” Chadderton said.

“It should not be lost on the public that the belated efforts of the Women in Black organization to distribute white poppies is totally inappropriate - - particularly around Remembrance Day,” he concluded.