File:DSC02123 - Flander Fields (44777804882).jpg

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If the striking red wildflower we know as the poppy is such a well-known symbol today, it is thanks to this poem written during the First World War by Canadian army surgeon Major John McCrae.

In the spring of 1915, fighting raged in Ypres Salient, as the military called the area around the Flemish city of Ypres in Belgium. McCrae’s best friend and brother-in-arms fell in battle there.

Contrasting with the bloody carnage, the colourful poppies stood silently swaying in the fields, inspiring McCrae to pen what became the most popular poem of the war.

Because of its evocative power, the poppy was adopted as the memorial flower honouring the war dead in the British Commonwealth, France and the United States. Each year, come Remembrance Day, November 11th, men and women, especially in Canada and Britain, pin this red emblem to their lapel and remember.

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