Everyone knows that the poppy is worn on Remembrance Day to commemorate those who have died while fighting for our freedom, but why the Poppy? And what is it’s significance to Remembrance Day?

In 1915 Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote a poem called “In Flanders Fields” after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer.

In Flanders Fields – as printed in the book: In Flanders Fields and Other Poems

The Poppies that are referred to in the poem are plentiful in Flanders, Belguim, they grow wild on the battlefields and war cemeteries and this is why they have become such a strong symbol of Remembrance Day.

This poem is well known, especially in Canada where most Remembrance Day ceremonies feature a reading of this infamous poem. In fact the first paragraph of this poem is printed on the Canadian ten dollar bill.

The poem In Flanders Fields is also very well known in the United Kingdom, it is considered to be one of the nations most loved verses. In the USA it is occasionally featured in their Memorial Day services but not to the extent that it is in Canada & the United Kingdom.

Please take the time today to remember those who have fought and died for our freedom & those who are still risking their lives to defend it.

We have not forgotten, we will never forget. Freedom is not Free.