The poppy flower, particularly the red poppy, is widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, especially on Veterans Day (known as Remembrance Day in some countries). This tradition stems from World War I, particularly inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician.
The poem describes how poppies grew on the battle-scarred fields of Flanders in Belgium, a powerful image that came to symbolize the sacrifices of soldiers who fought and died there.
The red poppy was later adopted as a remembrance symbol by the Royal British Legion in the UK, the American Legion in the US, and other organizations around the world. On Veterans Day (or Remembrance Day, November 11), people often wear poppies or display them in memorial ceremonies to honor veterans and those who have died in military service.
The vibrant red of the poppy serves as a visual reminder of both the bloodshed and resilience, encouraging reflection on peace and the costs of war.