THIS, is the reason for the poppy. Absolutely NOTHING to do with Opium, drug wars, LGB, Palestine, or even (I dare say it) the Legion. Flanders Fields was a major battle theatre during WW1, where many of those who fought for freedom died and were buried. It was the weapons of war (artillery shells) that churned Up those same fields, allowing the dormant seeds to grow in the aftermath of war. Beauty and peace in the memory of violence. Since then, and because of the poem below, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance and hope. Remembrance of those that were willing to give their lives so that we could enjoy the freedoms and prosperity that we should be able to. And a symbol of hope that the future would be a positive one that would remain peaceful for generations to come. Today, I remember my ancestors who fought before me, as well as the brave men and women I had the honour to serve alongside. And I will not let that memory be besmirched by those That would used their sacrifices for political or person gain. 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 ‐---‐--------------------------------------------- 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. - John McCrae