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| Sunday, 3 November 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Remembrance Day & Poppy Appeal : History and how it all began The Flanders poppy was first described as the flower of remembrance by Colonel John McRae, Professor of Medicine at McGill University, Montreal. At the second battle of cypress in 1915 when in charge of a small aid post, he wrote about the poppies in Flanders field during a lull in action. Through the centuries an even stranger event occurred in battle-fields all over Europe. Poppies sprang up in bare waste lands depicting the graves of the men who had died. However, it was Lord Macauley who first drew attention to this strange symbolism and who first suggested that the poppy should henceforth be known as the flower of sacrifice and remembrance. The armistice at the end of the World War I took place at 11 o'clock on the 11th of November 1918. At the close of the Second World War the 11th of November became the day of remembrance for the all those who died in World War I and II. The red poppy of Flanders became its official symbol. Many religious ceremonies and service parades are held in order to honour the fallen ex-servicemen each year. Poppy flowers and wreaths are given out as a token of appreciation to all those who contribute towards this cause. The Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association who assist the disabled and aged ex-servicemen of World War II have expanded their activities by helping families left destitute as a result of the ethnic war. This year, Remembrance Day and Poppy Week will be commemorated from the 1st to the 10th of November. Her Excellency the President made the first contribution for Poppy Day. A multi religious ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph, Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo 7, on Sunday November 10. Wear a poppy in remembrance. Give to those who gave. Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association |
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