“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,”
The red remembrance poppy, inspired by the WWI poem “In Flanders Fields” was first adopted by our neighbours to the south. The American Legion used the poppy to commemorate American soldiers who died in the WWI 1914-1918. Shortly thereafter, the poppy was embraced by military veterans’ groups in the Commonwealth: Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Small artificial poppies (like the one I wear) are now worn on lapels and clothing a few weeks before the actual Remembrance/Armistice Day service.
“Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.”
James Bryce (British politician, diplomat, and historian 1838 – 1922)
Lady Budd 
For those of us who have veterans in our family history, November 11 has special significance. Poppies are such a good reminder of sacrifices they made.
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In my research on Remembrance Day, I came across a quote by Herodotus who said many centuries ago: “In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.” For me, Remembrance Day is to remember and to reaffirm our determination to seek peaceful solutions. This is how we can honour the fallen.
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Clan-
Can I be your campaign manager? Hmmm can an American be a campaign manager for a Canadian Candidate? Probably not. Too bad. You have my 100% support. What you are saying and what Herodotus said, before you is so critically important. Once I become a mother, everyone’s child became my responsibility. I want them all to live to bury their parents. I was a military psychotherapist for more than 20 years. I love our troops and honor their commitment. I want them to live to bury their parents.
Well said Clan. I am proud of you!
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Thank you so much for stopping by and adding your words of wisdom. I agree – once “I become a mother, everyone’s child became my responsibility.” And that is perhaps the defining belief that can change the world. Thank you for your courage and support of our military. They were so blessed to have you to lean on…
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Oh I absolutely love this post and the beautiful poppies. You probably know that our main poppy wearing time in this part of the world is on Anzac Day but Remembrance Day is special too. Also I love the fact that every year someone from the veteran’s organisation places a poppy on my grandfather’s grave. It is such a respectful acknowledgement of his service as a young man. Happily he came home and lived well in to his nineties.
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Thank you for stopping by for a visit and for your life-affirming comments. I had to look up Anzac Day and found that is is the anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. I learn something new every day!! I agree, the respectful acknowledgement of your grandfather’s service is a profound thank you from a grateful nation. We must remember and honour their courage and patriotism.
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