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Every year without fail, the red blooms appear on politicians' jackets and in street appeals - but have you ever wondered where they came from?
For many younger New Zealanders, the poppy could seem to be a symbol of Anzac pride. However, it had little to do with the Anzacs at first, but was… View moreEvery year without fail, the red blooms appear on politicians' jackets and in street appeals - but have you ever wondered where they came from?
For many younger New Zealanders, the poppy could seem to be a symbol of Anzac pride. However, it had little to do with the Anzacs at first, but was rather originally conceived for an American audience.
The symbol of the poppy itself comes from Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous WW1 poem 'In Flanders fields', which begins with the opening lines: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row".
It was these moving verses which inspired American war secretary Moina Michael to use red silk poppies as a symbol of remembrance.
After campaigning for two years to get the symbol recognised nationally, the poppy was adopted by the National American Legion as their official symbol at a conference in 1920.
Attending this conference was Frenchwoman Anna A Guérin, who saw the potential to sell poppies and put the proceeds towards caring for veterans, their families and poor children. She also had the foresight to take it beyond America to Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
After her representative Colonel Alfred Moffatt suggested the idea to the RSA in September 1921, a motion was passed and the RSA placed the first order for poppies.
Like the other countries, the RSA was planning to hold its first annual Poppy Appeal around Armistice Day (November 11): however, thanks to the French ship carrying the poppies arriving late, the decision was made to delay sales until Anzac Day, 1922.
The first Poppy Appeal was a huge success, birthing the tradition where poppies go on sale in the weeks before Anzac Day and thus tying them to the day forever.
While the poppies were originally sourced from France, the RSA began producing its own in 1931, which were made by former servicemen in Auckland and Christchurch. Production was to go offshore again in 2010: however, this proved controversial and the contract eventually returned to Christchurch for the period from 2014 to 2019.
As poppies reappear this year, take a moment to remember their long journey and how they help the very organisation caring for our soldiers.
Yet more importantly, like the generations before us moved by McCrae's poem, remember those Flanders fields and what the symbol truly stands for - to never forget.
Story by Jordan Gowan
Thanks to this local business:
Staples Rodway Limited
I’ve had some great luck finding painters etc on here and now I’m after a tiler to do our bathroom for us. We were told to order 6 square metres of Tiles and that would be enough. We would need someone that has the equipment as we only have the tiles and grit. Welcome for quotes please. Thanks
On Wednesday, April 25, New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Since 1916, Anzac Day has become the day New Zealanders acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all people involved in military conflicts. It commemorates more than … View moreOn Wednesday, April 25, New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Since 1916, Anzac Day has become the day New Zealanders acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all people involved in military conflicts. It commemorates more than 300,000 New Zealanders who served their country and the 30,000 who have died in service, and had been a public holiday since 1921.
A list of the main services across the region is included in the link below. For local services contact your RSA.
GREETINGS NEIGHBOURS......
SHARING A SNEAK PREVIEW OF OUR UPCOMING AUCTION
Our rooms are full to overflowing with a huge variety of items. A large selection of new & used household furniture, household appliances, high quality shop fittings, mannequins, fabric, new garden trolleys, flat … View moreGREETINGS NEIGHBOURS......
SHARING A SNEAK PREVIEW OF OUR UPCOMING AUCTION
Our rooms are full to overflowing with a huge variety of items. A large selection of new & used household furniture, household appliances, high quality shop fittings, mannequins, fabric, new garden trolleys, flat screen TV's, coffee machine, bar stools, industrial down lights, upholstery machinery, commercial photocopiers etc etc.....
We will be working all week to set up for the auction to be held at 2pm Sunday the 29th of April.
View in our auction rooms, at 29 Elgin St, on Friday 27th April 1-4pm, Saturday 28th 11-3pm and from 12pm on auction day.
See further details on our website www.mainlandauctions.nz.... More photos and a catalogue to follow. Look forward to seeing you there :)
Looking for a good home - we have 10 or so small to medium plants (10-50 cm diameter) that we have removed. If you want one feel free to come and pick one up.
I have a friend with terminal cancer. Shes just been told she's got less than a year to live. I took her and her husband out for dinner last night. I asked if she had a bucket list. She named a few things. One was she wanted to do more things with her husband, like meals out, experiences etc. … View moreI have a friend with terminal cancer. Shes just been told she's got less than a year to live. I took her and her husband out for dinner last night. I asked if she had a bucket list. She named a few things. One was she wanted to do more things with her husband, like meals out, experiences etc. I want to try and organise something at least monthly for them. They have both been unwell and on benefits all their lives. They have no money to spare.
Has anyone got any ideas or any contacts. Business owners, restaurant managers etc whom I could approach to see if they are able to donate something for this couple.
Hi everyone :))
If you are planning your winter getaway to somewhere warm and sunny, Come in and see us for your new swimsuit ! We can also custom make to order for you. All right here in Christchurch, so you can look your best in a suit that's made just for you. Friendly helpful ladies … View moreHi everyone :))
If you are planning your winter getaway to somewhere warm and sunny, Come in and see us for your new swimsuit ! We can also custom make to order for you. All right here in Christchurch, so you can look your best in a suit that's made just for you. Friendly helpful ladies to help you find your style.
And chlorine resistant is always available for those who swim , aqua jog or aqua fit on a regular basis..... Call in and see us... we look forward to meeting you soon
It's coming into winter and it's time to put your garden to bed!
Delivering around Christchurch, free drop off
Peavine hay is an excellent nutritional mulch for your garden to keep moister regulated and keep weeds down. Peavine hay is considered a more nutrient alternative to peastraw … View moreIt's coming into winter and it's time to put your garden to bed!
Delivering around Christchurch, free drop off
Peavine hay is an excellent nutritional mulch for your garden to keep moister regulated and keep weeds down. Peavine hay is considered a more nutrient alternative to peastraw as it's from the green material closer to the top of the pea plant.
Weed free!
Minimum 5 bales per delivery
Contact 0274233969
Over the next few weeks, chlorine will be introduced to the water supply at each of Christchurch's 56 pump stations.
Treatment will be rolled out in stages across the city, starting in Brooklands, Kainga and Spencerville on Monday (March 26) and then Riccarton, Halswell, Parklands, … View moreOver the next few weeks, chlorine will be introduced to the water supply at each of Christchurch's 56 pump stations.
Treatment will be rolled out in stages across the city, starting in Brooklands, Kainga and Spencerville on Monday (March 26) and then Riccarton, Halswell, Parklands, Heathcote Valley and around Lyttelton harbour in the coming weeks.
Neville Wilkins and the Viscounts are at Hornby club Sunday 29th April, entrance only $7 .00 come and dance to songs from the 50’s 60’s & 70’s. This 6 piece band has been playing for 56 years and has an amazing sound.
Hi all, favourable solar wind conditions triggered an unusually bright and spectacular Aurora Australis display last night, easily visible to the naked eye - here are a handful of still frames from a timelapse I made of the event... taken from near Lake Ellesmere between 9 and 10pm last night...
CHARITY FOR CHRISTCHURCH NOW OPEN
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY
FROM 9 - 3 pm
We are open on Anzac Day from 12 to 3pm This Wednesday 25th April
You can bring any cans of food for the Shop.
FOOD BANKS WE ARE DONATING TO
… View moreCHARITY FOR CHRISTCHURCH NOW OPEN
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY
FROM 9 - 3 pm
We are open on Anzac Day from 12 to 3pm This Wednesday 25th April
You can bring any cans of food for the Shop.
FOOD BANKS WE ARE DONATING TO
Salvation Army in Christchurch
Catholic Social Services.
Ellesmere Food Bank
Delta Community Support Trust
Call MATT 0210843993
FREE GARAGE SALE
THIS SUNDAY 22nd April START AT 7am
160 Yaldhurst Road Avonhead
IMatt 02108439932
Despite what the road closure signs may indicate, this year's parade does not go along the esplanade. It starts at the junction of Colenso and Wakefield, then down Wakefield to the new Community Centre, where the service will be held. See the poster below.
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