Six years after his controversial dismissal from Hockey Night in Canada, Don Cherry remains steadfast in his commitment to Remembrance Day traditions. The 91-year-old hockey icon continues to advocate for poppy wearing despite observing fewer Canadians participating in this time-honored practice.
Unwavering Commitment to Remembrance
In an exclusive interview with the Toronto Sun on November 10, 2025, Cherry reflected on his firing that occurred exactly six years prior. The legendary broadcaster was terminated from his Coach's Corner segment after nearly four decades for comments encouraging newcomers to Canada to wear poppies. "I would say the same thing again," Cherry stated emphatically, demonstrating his unchanged position on the matter.
The iconic personality, photographed at his Mississauga home wearing his poppy proudly, noted a significant decline in poppy visibility since his 2019 dismissal. "I always remind people to get a poppy," Cherry said. "But I notice when I am out, that very few people have a poppy."
Changing Canadian Landscape
Cherry observed that the tradition of wearing poppies has diminished considerably, even in institutions where they were once commonplace. He mentioned that some courthouses now prohibit staff from wearing poppies, considering them political symbols. "It does hurt," Cherry admitted, acknowledging that "Canada has changed" since his Kingston childhood and even since his 2019 firing.
The broadcaster recalled that during his youth, sporting a poppy "was a very big deal" and nearly universal. Today, informal observations at Tim Hortons locations on November 10 revealed strikingly few people wearing the symbolic flowers. At one establishment, no customers wore poppies, while another location showed only two elderly gentlemen and one staff member with the remembrance symbol.
Hope for Future Generations
Despite the declining participation, Cherry found encouragement in younger generations keeping the tradition alive. He specifically praised Samrith and Calvin, members of Mississauga's 800 Black Forest Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, who were observed distributing poppies at a Giant Tiger store. "It's so nice to see that and I thank them," Cherry said, emphasizing that what matters is that these young people understand the importance of remembering fallen soldiers.
The hockey legend expressed his enduring message simply: "Lest we forget." He added poignantly, "I guess we have forgotten," referring to the declining number of poppy wearers he encounters on public transit, GO trains, and in shopping malls.
No Regrets Despite Consequences
Cherry maintains no regrets about the comments that led to his termination, though he takes issue with the timing of his dismissal. "That day should have been about the fallen and the veterans," he said of his Remembrance Day firing. "They should not have chosen that day to do it."
The broadcaster noted that his 2019 comments about poppy wearing were consistent with messages he delivered annually during his Coach's Corner segments. "I said the same thing every year," Cherry recalled. "But they were looking for something to fire me for."
As Remembrance Day 2025 approaches, Cherry's commitment remains unshaken. "They gave everything for us," he said of fallen soldiers. "There's no way we should forget them." His stance continues to resonate with many Canadians, even as the tradition he champions appears to be fading from public view.
