The City of Port Coquitlam’s commemorative tulip display is now in bloom across the community, marking the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion and honouring all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and all who have served Canada.
Selected by the City’s Horticulture team in fall 2025, the 2026 display continues Port Coquitlam’s tradition of recognizing significant military anniversaries through dedicated floral plantings across the community. Previous commemorative tulip displays marked the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Army in spring 2025, the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force in spring 2024, and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve in spring 2023.
The Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1925 and received its Charter in 1926. Today, it is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization, devoted to supporting Veterans, promoting remembrance and strengthening communities across the country.
This year’s display features dedicated tulips selected to reflect remembrance, service, peace, strength and renewal, including:
Canadian Liberator – named in honour of the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian Forces who took part in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. This bright red tulip symbolizes strength and remembrance.
Canadian Celebration – also known as the “Maple Leaf” tulip, featuring white petals with vibrant red flames or streaks that resemble the Canadian flag.
Liberation 80 – one of the dedicated tulips used in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Army. This variety symbolizes peace and features creamy white blooms with green and gold stripes.
Liberation 75 – introduced to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by the Canadian Forces in 1945. Its bright orange, crown-shaped bloom reflects the Dutch Royal Family and the freedom restored.
Ad Astra – one of the dedicated tulips used in 2024 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. This pale ivory-white tulip was chosen to reflect the RCAF motto Sic Itur Ad Astra.
Suncatcher – one of the dedicated tulips used in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Navy Reserve, representing HMCS Carleton in Ottawa. Its vivid yellow petals with scarlet-red edges symbolize renewal and enduring service.
Negrita – one of the dedicated tulips used in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Navy Reserve, representing HMCS Star in Hamilton. Its deep purple and plum tones evoke dignity, strength and tradition.
The display also includes honourable mention varieties that complement the tribute:
Strong Love – bright red tulips symbolizing deep affection, passion and enduring love.
Strong Gold – a rich golden tulip representing love, prosperity and renewal.
World Friendship – a primrose yellow tulip symbolizing diversity, unity and friendship.
White Lion narcissus – a white bloom representing purity, renewal and hope.
With tulips now in bloom across the community, residents are encouraged to celebrate PoCo in Bloom by sharing photos of the displays on social media or through the City’s website at portcoquitlam.ca/pocoinbloom for a chance to win one of four bags of tulip bulbs to plant in the fall. The contest closes on April 30, 2026.
The City’s commemorative tulip program offers a meaningful way to recognize important milestones in Canada’s military history while creating vibrant public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy each spring.
For more information about the tulips, contest details, or a map of display locations, visit portcoquitlam.ca/pocoinbloom.
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