The red poppy has been associated with Remembrance in Britain since the end of WW1. Over 100 years later, red poppies are still worn to remember the fallen and show support for the Armed Forces.
The History Behind The Poppy and Remembrance Day
During WW1, red poppies grew on the Western Front. The landscape had been devastated by relentless bombing and fighting, leaving the landscape barren – but this allowed the red poppies to flourish.
As a result, poppies are often seen as a symbol of Remembrance for those lost during WW1. Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, which marks the end of WW1, is observed on 11th November.
It’s also widely believed that poppies became a symbol of Remembrance due to Lieutenant-Colonel and poet John McCrae’s renowned poem, “In Flanders Fields”:
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
In Flanders' Fields.
In 1921, three years after the end of WW1, artificial poppies were sold to raise funds for the Earl Haig Fund, which supported ex-servicemen and the families of those who had died in conflict. In 1922, the Royal British Legion began selling poppies as an act of Remembrance and a way to commemorate 11th November.
While Remembrance is often associated with remembering the fallen of WW1, many now wear the poppy to honour all members of the Armed Forces, especially those injured or who lost their lives in combat such as the Afghanistan War or the Falklands War.
Where to Buy Poppies for Remembrance
Poppies for Remembrance, such as pin badges, paper poppies, wreaths and wooden cross tributes can be purchased online. During November, there will often be poppy stands selling pin badges and paper poppies outside supermarkets, in town centres, and at major train stations.
When To Wear A Poppy And For How Long
In the UK, Remembrance poppies are typically worn throughout November, in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, on 11th November and Remembrance Sunday, which will take place on 9th November in 2025. However, you can wear a poppy for as long as you choose.
How To Wear The Poppy
You can wear a poppy however you want! Traditionally, a Remembrance poppy is worn on the left hand side – over the heart, as a symbol of remembering those lost in war.
Some people may choose to pin their poppy to their hat so it’s more prominent or clip it onto their bag for visibility. More recently, people have also started buying poppy themed bandanas for their pets or a poppy car sticker to show support.
If you buy an eco-friendly plastic-free poppy, they should come with a safety pin so you can securely clip them to your top or coat. If you’re wearing a coat or jacket with a button hole, you can also insert the stem of the poppy into the button hole.
Want to share your support for an Armed Forces charity even further? Buy high-quality Blesma apparel and merchandise. All profits go towards Blesma’s mission, enabling injured and limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Choosing An Armed Forces Charity To Donate Or Fundraise For
It’s common for people to make a donation to an Armed Forces charity during the period of Remembrance in November, or specifically on Remembrance Day, which can also be referred to as Poppy Day.
According to the 2021 Census, there are 1,818 Armed Forces charities registered in England and Wales. These organisations offer various services to serving personnel, veterans, families, and widows.
At Blesma, we support limbless veterans for the duration of their lives.
Blesma was founded in the aftermath of the First World War, in 1932. Last year we helped provide over 2,600 injured and limbless veterans and windows with direct support.
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We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK. Click the link below to find out the different kinds of support we offer.
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