A quiet sadness settles over Don Cherry each November. It isn’t the chill of the season, but a growing emptiness he observes as he looks around. He notices fewer and fewer poppies adorning lapels, a stark contrast to the vibrant displays of his youth.
This year marks six years since his dismissal from a decades-long broadcasting career, a consequence of passionately advocating for the simple act of wearing a poppy. He maintains his stance, believing it’s the very least anyone can do to honor those who sacrificed everything.
“I always remind people to get a poppy,” Cherry stated recently, his voice tinged with a quiet disappointment. “But when I’m out, very few people have one.” It’s a change he feels deeply, a shift in the national consciousness.
The situation has become increasingly troubling. Even within the halls of justice, some judges have deemed the poppy a political symbol, forbidding staff from wearing them. Cherry calls it “madness” and a profound insult to the memory of those who served.
He remembers a time when a poppy was a ubiquitous symbol of respect, a shared expression of gratitude. That time feels distant now, overshadowed by a growing reluctance to publicly acknowledge sacrifice. The change began long before the controversy that led to his departure.
Cherry’s words, spoken in 2019, about those who benefit from the freedoms won by veterans, sparked outrage. Yet, he insists his intention was simply to encourage remembrance. He would say the same thing again, without hesitation.
He feels the weight of a changing Canada, a nation seemingly forgetting the price of its peace and prosperity. He recalls family members lost in war, and the countless Canadians he’s met over a lifetime who share similar stories of loss.
“They gave everything for us,” Cherry emphasizes, his voice resonating with conviction. “There’s no way we should forget them.” But the message seems increasingly difficult to convey.
A recent observation at local Tim Hortons locations revealed a disheartening reality: empty donation boxes and a noticeable absence of poppies. A few seniors wore them, a staff member sported a sticker, but overall, the display was sparse.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged during a phone call. Two young members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Samrith and Calvin, entered a local store to distribute poppies. Their polite dedication was a powerful reminder that remembrance isn’t lost on the next generation.
Cherry expressed his gratitude, noting that their awareness of his past career wasn’t important. What mattered was their commitment to honoring the fallen. It’s a simple act, but one with profound significance.
He fears a continued decline in remembrance, a fading of the collective memory. For years, he used his platform on national television to champion the poppy, driven by a deep-seated belief in its importance.
The commentary that led to his firing wasn’t an isolated incident; he’d made the same plea for remembrance annually. He believes the controversy was manufactured, a pretext for removing him from his position.
The timing of his dismissal, on Remembrance Day itself, remains a source of pain. He feels the day should have been solely dedicated to honoring veterans, not overshadowed by personal disputes.
Six years later, Cherry harbors no regrets. He stands firm in his conviction that Canadians should remember the sacrifices made to secure their freedoms. “It’s just how I feel,” he says, his voice unwavering.
His message remains clear: Lest we forget. A simple plea, echoing through a nation that seems increasingly prone to forgetting the true cost of peace.
