Don Cherry shares a special message for Canadians on Remembrance Day

Few figures in Canadian hockey history have been as outspoken about their love of Canada, its military, and the men and women who have served their country as legendary broadcaster Don Cherry.

For decades, Cherry made it a personal mission to ensure that Remembrance Day was never forgotten by hockey fans across the country. Whether it was through his weekly appearances on Coach's Corner or his countless public appearances, Cherry consistently used his platform to recognize the sacrifices made by Canadian and American military personnel, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their countries.

Today, Cherry shared a special message for Canadians on Remembrance Day:

One of Cherry's most recognizable traditions was his insistence that Canadians wear a poppy in the lead-up to November 11. To Cherry, the poppy was about much more than a simple decoration. It was a visible symbol of respect, gratitude, and remembrance for the soldiers who never made it home. He believed that everyone, particularly those enjoying the freedoms afforded to them by previous generations, had a responsibility to acknowledge those sacrifices.

Unfortunately, that very passion would eventually become intertwined with the controversy that ended his broadcasting career.

In November 2019, Cherry sparked widespread backlash during a Coach's Corner segment when he criticized people he believed were not wearing poppies, specifically directing his comments toward newcomers to Canada. His remarks resulted in his dismissal from Sportsnet, effectively ending his decades-long association with Hockey Night in Canada and CBC's hockey coverage.

While the controversy went far beyond his simple message of remembrance, there is little question that Cherry's outspoken insistence on the importance of wearing a poppy was at the center of the incident that cost him his job.

Love him or hate him, Cherry's dedication to honoring Canada's veterans and military personnel was genuine, and his annual Remembrance Day message became an unmistakable part of Canadian hockey culture. Even years after his departure from television, his legacy as one of the country's most recognizable advocates for remembering those who served remains firmly intact.