The Flower Of Remembrance

We wear our poppies with pride – and the story behind the crimson flower is inspirational

- Chris Morley

On Remembrance Sunday, many of us proudly pin a poppy to our lapel in memory of those who have lost their lives in battle. But have you ever wondered how this crimson wildflower came to represent the fallen, and who actually makes the millions of badges and wreaths that are sold as part of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal?

In Flanders Fields

The story begins at the end of World War I, when thousands of soldiers were returning home, many with physical disabilities and mental scars. To raise funds for disabled veterans, an American professor, Moina Michael, sold silk poppies inspired by the mention of the flower in the famous war poem, In Flanders Fields, written by Lt Col John McCrae.

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.