Remembrance Poppies

The red poppy has become a familiar symbol of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Col. John McCrae. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I and their brilliant red color became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

The red poppies that McCrae referred to had been associated with war since the Napoleonic Wars when a writer of that time first noted how the poppies grew over the graves of soldiers. Inspired by "In Flanders Fields", American professor Moina Michael resolved at the war's conclusion in 1918 to wear a red poppy year-round to honor the soldiers who died in the war. 

The practice quickly spread throughout the British Empire. The wearing of poppies in the days leading up to Remembrance Day remains popular in many areas of the Commonwealth of Nations, particularly Great Britain, Canada, and South Africa, and in the days leading up to ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand.

I, personally, remember buying paper versions of these symbolic poppies many years ago in elementary school when they were sold for only 10 cents each and the proceeds were donated to Veteran’s charities.

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In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies grow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

~  written by Col. John McCrae