The Significance of the Poppy

ANZAC Day is a day of great significance in the history of New Zealand and Australia. It is a day that honours the memory of those who served and died in the armed forces, particularly during World War 1. One of the most recognizable symbols associated with ANZAC Day is the poppy, a bright red flower that holds deep meaning for both countries. 

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, specifically for those who lost their lives during military conflict. The connection between the poppy and ANZAC Day is rooted in the famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915. The poem was inspired by the sight of poppies growing on the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders, Belgium, during World War I. McCrae's powerful words captured the tragedy of war and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives:

"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."

The bright red colour of the poppy is also significant. The vibrant hue is a symbol of the bloodshed and sacrifice that occurred during World War I, particularly in the fields of Flanders. The poppy serves as a reminder of the tremendous cost of war and the need to strive for peace and understanding.

The poppy soon became a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. In New Zealand and Australia, the Returned and Services League (RSL) adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in 1921, selling poppies to raise funds for veterans and their families. Today, wearing a poppy on ANZAC Day is a way to honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed their lives for their country.

In addition to wearing poppies, many ANZAC Day ceremonies include laying wreaths made from poppies. These wreaths are laid at memorials and gravesites to honour the fallen and express gratitude for their sacrifice. The poppy wreath is a powerful symbol of remembrance and a way to ensure that the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces are never forgotten.

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and a powerful way to honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed their lives during World War I and subsequent conflicts. On ANZAC Day, wearing a poppy or laying a poppy wreath is a way to pay tribute to the fallen and express gratitude for their sacrifice. The poppy serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the need for peace and understanding.