[ActionMan]

"The remembrance poppy (a Papaver rhoeas) has been used since 1921 to commemorate soldiers who have died in war. Inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields", they were first used by the American Legion to commemorate American soldiers who died in that war (1914-1918). They were then adopted by military veterans' groups in parts of the former British Empire: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Today, they are mainly used in the UK and Canada to commemorate the men and women who have been killed in all conflicts since 1914. Small artificial poppies are often worn on clothing for a few weeks prior to Remembrance Day/Armistice Day (11 November). Poppy wreaths are also often laid at war memorials.

The remembrance poppy is especially prominent in the UK. In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November Armistice Day), they are distributed by The Royal British Legion in return for donations to their "Poppy Appeal", which supports all current and former British military personnel. During this time, it is an unwritten rule that all public figures and people appearing on television wear them."

This year, Artist Paul Cummins created the ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London named 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red', with setting by stage designer Tom Piper. The dry moat around the Tower is filled with 888,246 ceramic poppies, each poppy representing a British fatality during the First World War.

This site has some magnificent 'slider photos - Tower Of London Poppies: Stunning Before And After Pictures Show 'Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red' In All Its Magnificent Glory

More about the installation - Tower of London Remembers - Home

 

[pukingdog]

It is a fitting tribute, I think. Stunning to behold, as well. I have one of the paper poppies in my car, where I can see it every day. My dad and uncle always stopped to buy them, each year.

 

[russcal]

Thanx for posting this David!

As Mike's said, it's a fitting and poignant tribute. The poppies used in the display are being sold to support the display and other service related charities... I've ordered one and I intend to give to friend and museum director Cindy. She's fond of the idea of the "Remembrance Poppy", and has done quite a bit to honor and commemorate veterans and their service. Should arrive just in time for Veterans Day (Remembrance Day)!