The Red Poppy has become a symbol of war rememberance across the globe. The poppy is worn by many,
to remember those who died in war (and still serve). In some countries, many identify and wear the poppy
around Armistice Day, 11 November (the historical signing of cease fire - the End of WW1 - at 11am,
on the 11th Day,
11th month, in 1918), but here in New Zealand it is mostly recognised during ANZAC, military funerals and
some commemorative events.
The Red Poppy's significance to war, was due to this plant being the very first to grow and bloom in the
mud and soil of "Flanders Fields", during the Great War (1914 - 18).
The Poppy's connection to war rememberance, was made famous by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae:
Lieutenant McCrae was a Canadian medical officer, who sadly conducted the funeral of his dear friend,
Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres (Ieper).
So distressed from witnessing the death and suffering taking place around him, he reached for
his notebook. Before him, in a cemetery nearby, red poppies blew gently in the breeze – a symbol of regeneration
and growth in a landscape of blood and destruction.
McCrae scribbled the following verse:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
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.
- Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
McCrae threw away the poem, but a fellow officer rescued it and sent it on to the English magazine
Punch; 'In Flanders fields' was published on 8 December 1915.
McCrae died three years later, on 28 January 1918. As he lay dying,
he is reported to have said, "Tell them this: if ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep".
The world was moved by McCrae's poem, and by 1920, the poppy was adopted as the International
symbol of Rememberance.
2009 Poppy Day Appeal - Fri
24 April
Red Poppys will be on sale again this year,
by donation. All proceeds go to the welfare of disabled war veterans and
related services. The "Poppy People" will be out & about.....
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT........to remember those
who lost their lives, so that we shall live.
