The Anzac Poppy

2022 marks 100 years of the RSA Poppy Appeal in New Zealand

The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or are serving in the armed forces. In many countries, the poppy is worn on Armistice Day (11 November), but in New Zealand it is most commonly seen on Anzac Day, 25 April.

In Flanders Field

The red or Flanders poppy has been linked with battlefield deaths since the Great War (1914–18). It was one of the first plants to grow and bloom on battlefields in the Belgian region of Flanders. The connection was made most famously by a Canadian medical officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, in his poem, ‘In Flanders fields’ (above right in photo).

2022 marks 100 years of the RSA Poppy Appeal in New Zealand.

Moved by the poem, In Flanders fields, The American Legion adopted the poppy as the national symbol of remembrance in 1920 at its annual convention. Attending that convention was Madam E. Guérin who saw the potential to make and sell poppies and approached many veteran groups around the world. The poppy idea was suggested to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association which placed an order for 366,000 silk poppies made by Madam Guérin’s French Children’s League.

The first planned Poppy Appeal for 1921 around the time of Armistice Day had to be postponed to the following year when the ship from France carrying the poppies arrived too late for the event to be publicised in time.

The first Poppy Day appeal was a huge success and is now most often worn around Anzac Day in New Zealand. On the Friday before Anzac Day, volunteers collect charitable donations in exchange for remembrance poppies. The RSA Poppy Appeal is as important today for service veterans and their families as it was for veterans of WWI and the families who lost loved ones. Buying and wearing a poppy is a way to show support for veterans and to remember those who have passed on.

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.