The Power of The Poppy

It’s that time of year again where we proudly wear our poppies on our chests, gather around bonfires in the cold crisp winter air, and watch the spectacular colourful fireworks explode in the skies. Where we stand in silence, young and old, and pay our respects to the fallen soldiers of World War One and after.

As we embark on the 100^th anniversary of World War One, the Tower of London lays its beautiful blood red ceramic poppies along its surroundings, which elegantly resemble the fields of Northern France and Flanders that were once ripped open as World War One raged through Europe’s heart, and later covered by poppies on the otherwise barren battlefields.

As the cold November days pass by, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by the elderly wearing their medals and badges, and we’ll hear heart wrenching stories from those who’ve lost their loved ones in conflicts, old and new. But despite all the emotions of sadness and grief travelling through the winter winds, there’s something quite heart-warming and hopeful in watching people come together, and unite in the remembrance of those they lost.

I’m not one for wars, or imperialism, and I don’t care much for the conflicts we’ve created over the years. That being said, the symbol of the poppy is quite a powerful one. To me it’s not just a reminder of those who lost their lives in honour of their countries, and in the hope of freedom, but rather it’s a reminder that humanity still exists, that we are all the same, and that we can all feel the pain of one another. It is a reminder that no matter where we come from, we all ultimately want the same thing, to live peacefully amongst each other, and to one day hope that there would be no more fallen soldiers that have to give up their young and fruitful lives so that we can be safe.

As Remembrance Day approaches, I will be sure to pay my respects in a two minute silence for all those lives we lost. The soldiers I’ll be thinking of won’t just be the ones in uniform, because to me every innocent life lost in a conflict is worthy of that title, and worthy of a tribute.

So when you are thinking of our fallen soldiers, do also spare a thought for the innocent women, men, and children who have lost their lives in conflicts across the world, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or colour. Because if there’s one thing that the symbol of the poppy has taught me, is that each life is equal, and so when lost, each one is equally as sad. So as you wear your poppies and fill the room with silence, remember those we lost, and do hope for a day when conflict ends, and peace begins. And remember that if we all stand together against corruption, conflict, and extremism, the power of poppies will only triumph the power of weapons.