We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Remembrance Poppies


The red poppy has become a familiar symbol of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fieldswritten 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



9 comments:

  1. My father, who was a WWII vet, bought and wore poppies every year. I would like to continue the tradition but can't find anyone selling them, which is a pity.

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    1. Jacqueline, I have actually seen these sold at some Hallmark Stores in our area, believe it or not! But you are right, it so very difficult to find them anymore now-a-days ... real shame.

      Hugs,

      Kim

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  2. In the UK we see lots of people selling these, veterans and cadets, and lots of stores sell them too. More elaborate versions are becomming available too, knitted ones, sparkly ones, and this year there is a pin brooch available which is enamel and has 1914-2014 on it. There is also a huge display of glass poppies in the moat of the Tower of London, one poppy for each british soldier who has fallen in battle. Its an awesome sight, but very sobering. Cant post a pic on here, but its well worth a google image search.

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    1. Kiwijo, Thank you so much for the info. I have actually checked out the google pics of the Tower of London and it is simply unbelievable … breath-taking! For those who may be reading this, I have decided to post a pic of it from google images. Many Blessings!

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  3. Oh Kim, that poem is the best and I remember it well. I had to learn it when I was in 8th grade. I have all my poppies that I have gotten from the vets in my car. It is my constant remembrance for me. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Linda, you are welcome my friend! I also really love that poem!!!

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  4. Very beautiful post, Kim.
    Did you see on the news the over 800,000 ceramic Poppies displayed in the UK...gorgeous and so touching~

    ~Hugs~

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    1. Jan, yes I did actually get to see that and you are so right ... it IS gorgeous!

      Many Hugs, Kim

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  5. We wear poppies every year too ;o) Beautiful post ;o)

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