Poppy Day.

So this is a serious blog. Today, November 11th is Poppy Day. This is what it's commonly known as in the UK, and the Commonwealth, although it's also called Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day. The first Armistice Day was held in Buckingham Palace in 1919. This is a day to remember all those who fell in World War 1, although these days we think about all those who have fallen in any conflict; sadly the list grows, by the minute it seems. Many other countries have their own version; America calls it Veterans' Day.
We wear a paper poppy to symbolize our support; these poppies were the first flowers to bloom across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War 1, and their bright colour adds a poignant note as we think about all the blood spilt during conflict. These poppies are made and distributed by the Royal British Legion who use all funds raised to support current and former British Military personnel.
The poem "In Flanders Fields", written by a Canadian soldier John McCrae, who had witnessed the death of a friend the day before, and after performing the burial himself, noticed how quickly poppies grew over the fresh graves. He says:

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.

So I just want to say that today I am wearing my poppy, and I am thinking with emotion and humility of all those that have given their lives so that others may live free. It feels like this world is constantly at war; there is always a fight going on somewhere, precious money being spent on war while others starve and only know poverty.
I am probably not alone in hoping that one day, perhaps tomorrow, the people of this world will just learn to live together. In the meantime I will continue to wear my poppy.