Long before the Great War, the red poppy had become a symbol of death, renewal and life. The seeds of the flower can remain dormant in the earth for years, but will blossom spectacularly when the soil is churned. Beginning in late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders became the scene of stupendous disturbances. Poppies soon appeared.
In Flanders Field, John McCrae forever bound the image of the Red Poppy to the memory of the Great War. The poppy was eventually adopted by the British and Canadian Legions as the symbol of remembrance of World War One and a means of raising funds for disabled veterans.
Years later, an American war volunteer, Moina Michael, helped establish the symbol in the US where the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion also embraced the Red Poppy tradition.
| In Flanders Fields By John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row by row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard among 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 yea break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. |
