Why do we wear a poppy for Remembrance Day?
EVERY Remembrance Day, the UK pays its respects to those who fought and lost their lives for our country.
For decades, the nation has shown its support by wearing poppies, but why do we do it?
Why do we wear a poppy for Remembrance Day?
The story of why we wear poppies dates back to the First World War.
In 1915, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae lost his friend in the battle of Ypres.
As he was grieving the loss of comrade Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, he spotted scores of poppies growing in the battle-torn fields.
This poignant sight inspired him to write In Flanders Fields, one of the most famous war poems of all time.
Following the First World War, the poppy was then adopted as a symbol of remembrance.
In 1921, the first ever Poppy Appeal distributed nine million poppies, raising £106,000.
Contrary to popular belief, the poppy isn’t a symbol of death or support for war or a political or religious statement.
The British Legion describes the poppy as a “symbol of remembrance and hope”.
When should we wear one?
The Poppy Appeal takes place throughout November.
This year, Remembrance Sunday takes place on November 8, but the annual Remembrance Sunday march past the Cenotaph will not take place thanks to coronavirus.
Many acts of remembrance are still going ahead but with strict rules in place.
Many people start wearing poppies on October 31 - some 12 days before Remembrance Day.
Others believe they shouldn't be worn until after Bonfire Night on November 5.
More on Remembrance Sunday
Where can I buy a poppy?
Members of the public can get a traditional paper poppy by making a donation to the British Legion.
The Royal British Legion says there are a number of ways people can still get their hands on a poppy in time for November 11 this year.
If you are able to access supermarkets then Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda and Aldi are all official partners with the Royal British Legion and will be selling them in stores up and down the UK.
If you are staying at home or are unable to make it to a major supermarket then the Royal British Legion has an official “Poppy Shop” online where you can buy them for yourself, friends and family.
The products on sale include the classic lapel paper poppy with a plastic stem, which costs £2.
The car poppy (which costs £5.49) and a selection of “remembrance tributes” including a “wooden cross, Sikh Khanda, Hindu Aum, Star, Crescent Moon or Secular Tribute”.
All of the profits from the Poppy Shop go towards funding the legion’s work in supporting the armed forces community, serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
As well as shopping on the Poppy Shop you can also make purchases on Amazon and eBay, which are affiliated with the Royal British Legion.
There are other items to choose from on those third party sites, including metal pin badges and key rings.