Photo: Geoff Pugh/The Telegraph
Last year today, I published a post entitled “Why Do We Celebrate Poppy Day?”. In that post I wrote about what Remembrance Day (or Poppy Day) is and why it is celebrated every year in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth countries.
I noticed that the post has been viewed regularly in the last few weeks and I thought I would update the post with what has been happening this year to commemorate this solemn occasion.
2014 represents the centenary year of the start of the First World War. Throughout this year there have been many events organised to remember the Great War. However, nothing compares to the extraordinary and breathtaking display of ceramic poppies that have been created and planted over the last few months in the moat around the Tower of London.
Photo:Historic Royal Palaces/Richard Lea-Hair
The installation called “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” is by ceramic artist Paul Cummins. The installation began in early August and the last poppy will be planted today. In total 8,000 volunteers have planted the poppies!
888,246 ceramic poppies have been made and each one represents a British and Commonwealth soldier who died during the First World War – the fallen soldiers. The ceramic poppies were available to buy and have all been sold to members of the public. The money raised (over £15m) by the sale will go to charities.
I had hoped to visit the Tower of London to see this unique and spectacular installation, but unfortunately I’ve not had the time. Furthermore, it’s been extremely busy as thousands of people have flocked to the site over the last few weeks to catch and experience a moment of history. I shall have to make do with these fabulous and outstanding photos that I’d like to share with you here.
War Horse’s Joey and Michael Morpurgo
Photo: Rex taken from The Telegraph
For more gorgeous photos, take a look at these captured by the BBC.
The one thing that the British do extremely well is maintaining and respecting traditions. This year, however, they have surpassed themselves. The enormous success of the Tower of London poppies has proven that not only are the British extremely proud of their history and legacy but they are also deeply grateful to the fallen men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we may live in a free and democratic world.
The phrase “lest we forget” of the blog title has assumed (taken on) a deeper poignancy this centenary year. We will never forget.
I hope you liked the post. If you did, please share it. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog if you don’t want to miss out on my posts.
Ciao for now
Shanthi
Key to the colours
The expressions in blue relate to war vocabulary and the phrases in pink are expressions and some phrasal verbs that you can use anytime. For their meaning, click on the word or expression. If you click on the words in orange, they will lead you to some further information about the topic.
