The poppy: connecting the past, present, and future of the Sirianni family
The poppy isn’t just a flower: it’s an icon. And it means so many different things to different people.
Louise Sirianni understands this. To her, the poppy links together her family’s past, her actions in the present, and the future for her sons.
“I come from a military family,” Louise explains. “My brother, my grandfather, my cousins and uncle all served.”
Louise explains that this legacy of service has given her something incredibly valuable in the present: a series of outstanding role-models for her two boys.
“My brother is a very brave, fearless man,” Louise says. “I’m incredibly proud of his service and what he has given back to our community as a veteran. He has been in multiple deployments and has lived in multiple states. Now he’s the father of three beautiful girls, Katie, Megan and Alecia. He inspires [my boys] to be the amazing young men that they are.”
Having strong, stable role-models for Max and Giacomo is incredibly important for Louise. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they are part of the Australian Army Cadets – “which brings the best out in them”, she notes – and Max is chasing a career in the Australian Defence Force.
“I think strong role models are important for our youth to understand what it takes to be a good person,” Louise explains. “And being a good person means that you are then strengthening our community.”
Community is another focus for Louise. Her family is closely associated with the Greensborough RSL in Melbourne’s north-east. She is proud to have helped establish the new Women’s Auxiliary, which has been busy supporting Ward 17 at the Austin Repatriation Hospital and Vasey RSL Care in Bundoora, as well as volunteering to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.
It’s a lot of work – but Louise isn’t alone. Volunteering is a whole family affair, including Max, Giacomo and her husband Michael.
“We see the amazing support Greensborough RSL gives to the veteran and defence community, and I’m so proud to sell poppies and wear them,” she said.
“What volunteering gives us as a family is that connection to our community, and it’s incredible to hear the stories come through from people who are currently serving, from veterans, from their families.”
“Often people will come back and they’ll say, ‘Oh, I want to now buy something for my Mum,’ or, ‘I’ll buy something on behalf of the memory of my grandfather.’ So it’s a beautiful connection. And we’ll often say, ‘Tell us about him. Tell us about her.’”
For Louise, the poppy is more than a symbol of remembrance. It’s a family legacy. And that legacy is continuing to grow.
“Our way of supporting the veteran community might only be in a small way, but we can see the impact that we are having with people. And every small act of service […] makes our community richer.”
“And it is what Australians do. We support each other.”
This November, when you buy a badge or purchase a virtual poppy, you join Louise in ensuring that the sacrifice of the past continues to be honoured – and that veterans today receive the support they need.
Together We Remember.
The person behind my poppy
When I wear a poppy, I think of my military family—my brother, uncle, grandfather, cousins, and great uncles, all of whom served. My eldest son has now also enlisted.
I am proud to support Greensborough RSL and our Women’s Auxiliary, which provides care to veterans at Vasey RSL Aged Care. Selling poppies is a way for me to give back. Lest we forget.
Louise Sirianni
