Page 3 - November 2023 News On 7

IN THE NEWS

REMEMBRANCE DAY: THE STORY OF THE POPPY
Remembering those who gave their lives for us in conflict is as important now as it has ever been. Now, Remembrance
Day and Remembrance Sunday have become an important part of British culture and heritage, with events taking place
across the country to mark them.

The latter falls on November 12 this year. It's the official day that the nation takes time to reflect on all the servicemen and
women killed in conflict. The two-minute silence, meanwhile, takes place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th
month, marking the end of the First World War. And, of course, in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday people
wear poppies to commemorate the dead.
But why the poppy?
Much of the fighting in the First World War took place in the once peaceful and beautiful
countryside of Western Europe.
Landscapes, villages and lives were destroyed - torn to pieces by the shelling which took place
over the four years of conflict. The once beautiful countryside was transformed into bleak and
barren fields of mud where no sign of life could be found.

But, it was in one such seemingly-lifeless field that bright red "Flanders" poppies, surprisingly
resilient for their delicate appearance, began to grow. Struck by this sight, Canadian Doctor Lt
Col John McCrea, wrote of what he saw, giving rise to the poem now read at almost every
remembrance service in the country: "In Flanders Fields".
Inspired by the poem, American academic Moina Michael, began to make and sell red silk
poppies to commemorate those who had died in the war.
The poppy became a recognized symbol of the war and its human cost. Allied propaganda posters used the poppy to recruit
soldiers and encourage people to buy war bonds. “If ye break faith… we shall not sleep,” a Canadian poster advertising victory
bonds declared, quoting McCrae’s poem. The poppy was also used in ceremonies to remember the war dead. The Royal British
Legion used the poppy in their Poppy Appeal, a massive fundraising effort to support families most affected by the war. The
poppy is still worn, particularly in the on November 11 to commemorate veterans’ service. Next time you see a poppy consider
how you can participate in its rich commemoration history.
We Shall Keep the Faith
Moina Michael
In Flanders Fields
by Major John McCrae Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
In Flanders fields the poppies blow We caught the torch you threw
Between the crosses, row on row, And holding high, we keep the Faith
That mark our place; and in the sky With All who died.
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below. We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
We are the Dead. Short days ago It seems to signal to the skies
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, That blood of heroes never dies,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie But lends a lustre to the red
In Flanders fields. Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw And now the Torch and Poppy Red
The torch; be yours to hold it high. We wear in honor of our dead.
If ye break faith with us who die Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders fields. In Flanders Fields.