The flower aims to commemorate the men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars and the Korean War. Others also wear it to highlight the sacrifice of soldiers during different conflicts such as in Bosnia or Afghanistan.
The wearing of the red poppy is said to be inspired by a poem by a Canadian military doctor, Captain John McCrae, written in 1915. On the Field of Honor was written for the funeral of a friend and brother in arms during the First World War, according to the Government of Canada website. Mr. McCrae, who mentions the red flower in his text, is the first to allude to it as a symbol of remembrance.
The poppy was often associated with the armies that fought in Europe because of its strong presence on the battlefields, says the War Museum. “During the First World War, intensive artillery bombardments completely changed the landscape, mixing lime with chalky soils. The poppies flourished in this environment, their color flamboyant in the middle of this bombed land,” it says.
Fabric poppies to collect donations
It was in 1921 that the idea of wearing the red poppy to remember became popular, thanks to the initiative of a French woman, Anna Guérin.
The latter had founded a charity to help regions of France devastated by the First World War. Ms. Guérin had decided to sell fabric poppies to raise funds.
“Anna presented her concept to France’s allies, including the precursor of The Royal Canadian Legion, the Association of Veterans of the Great War,” explains the Royal Canadian Legion.
The idea was officially adopted on July 6, 1921. The symbol is still worn today and proceeds from the Poppy Campaign are used to help veterans and their families.
Swiss
