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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
Selling Fisher&Paykle washing mashine it is stuck in an unbalanced state so does not wash good for spares or mechanical person to fix.
3 lovely books that help children take an interest in cooking. Pity I didn't find these before the holidays but I guess they will do for the next ones.
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.
grab yourself a cuppa, and have a a good read.
If you would like any help - call one of our team on 359-4370
Complete today, thank you Craig Williams it was much appreciated and I’ll have two happy children now.
Does anyone want to earn some money, I have a new 14ft trampoline with instructions that I would like to pay someone to assemble for me please at anytime that suits you.
Location Papanui - … View moreComplete today, thank you Craig Williams it was much appreciated and I’ll have two happy children now.
Does anyone want to earn some money, I have a new 14ft trampoline with instructions that I would like to pay someone to assemble for me please at anytime that suits you.
Location Papanui - Main North Road by Foodstuffs.
AT 4AM ON 5 MAY, TAI BURST IN THE BACK DOOR! HE HAS LOST 25% OF HIS BODY MASS, IS HOARSE FROM CALLING, AND VERY HUNGRY. BUT THANKFULLY UNINJURED. BEEN LOCKED IN SOMEWHERE? WHO KNOWS! PLEASE *ALWAYS CHECK THERE ARE NO CATS TRAPPED BEFORE YOU CLOSE UP A SHED, GARAGE, CARAVAN, RENTAL, OR YOUR HOME.
… View moreAT 4AM ON 5 MAY, TAI BURST IN THE BACK DOOR! HE HAS LOST 25% OF HIS BODY MASS, IS HOARSE FROM CALLING, AND VERY HUNGRY. BUT THANKFULLY UNINJURED. BEEN LOCKED IN SOMEWHERE? WHO KNOWS! PLEASE *ALWAYS CHECK THERE ARE NO CATS TRAPPED BEFORE YOU CLOSE UP A SHED, GARAGE, CARAVAN, RENTAL, OR YOUR HOME.
If you've perhaps seen a large light-GINGER quite fluffy neutered male cat, quite substantial - our boy has been missing from BURNSIDE for about 2 weeks. He seems to do this periodically, but not usually for this long. He is 7 years old and microchipped but doesn't wear a collar. Please check any sheds or garages you may have left open and then locked. He's very gentle but a bit timid about noise (quake refugee). Very cuddly and not scared of dogs. Loves (adores) small children who are gentle with him.
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.
My dog is just a bit too big for this medium sized crate - would anyone be interested in swapping for a bigger one or buying it? It has never been used. Has two doors and measurements are 76 x 48 x 53cm (L x W x H). Instructions and divider included. Suitable for dogs up to 18kgs.
hi I just wondered does anyone out their have a mountain bike ladies for sale or where I could get one cheap as mine was stolen from work today. they cut through the padlock with bolt cutters and I am still in shock and digusted would appreciate any feedback thanks
4 Avanti Rims off my Suzuki Swift For Sale $300 ono. In good condition. Tyres not included
Cat Rescue Christchurch and a lot of other animal related vendors/charities have stalls at the Pet Expo on the Sat/Sun (being the 28th/29th of April) at the Pioneer Leisure Centre.
We are going to be having amazing raffles (a donated Cat House from Happy Cat Tree guy (facebook) and a … View moreCat Rescue Christchurch and a lot of other animal related vendors/charities have stalls at the Pet Expo on the Sat/Sun (being the 28th/29th of April) at the Pioneer Leisure Centre.
We are going to be having amazing raffles (a donated Cat House from Happy Cat Tree guy (facebook) and a voucher from the Cattery Barn in Prebbleton, crafts, facepainting, and a gentleman from Crystal Glasses (re installation of microchipped cat doors)
We have a competition running on our Cat Rescue Christchurch facebook page that you can enter to win ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD DAY TICKETS so best be in quick. Remember to like our main page and our fundraising page so you don't miss out on opportunities to enter in future.
We also have ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD DAY TICKETS up for auction on Webfair under Cat Rescue Charity (currently sitting at $2 bid). You can have the fun of auction (which closes on Thursday 26 with ticket pickup from Sydenham) or you can buy now for $10 .
1. Go to Cat Rescue Facebook to enter competition
2. Go to www.webfair.co.nz... and either bid on the tickets or do the buy
now of $10 (saying $5 on face value of tickets).
What a great activity to end the school holidays.
Psssss as this is a Christchurch wide post, my good deed for the day is to find someone who knows CATHERINE MORRIS FROM CHRISTCHURCH, as you have a neighbourly prize to collect by 5pm of Thursday 26th
Anzac day is on Wednesday! Your wheelie bins will be emptied one day later than normal this ANZAC Day and the days following.
Find out what you need to know: bit.ly...
Gain confidence with this experienced instructor. Timoney Hall 133 Main North Road Papanui. Age 16+ all level of fitness catered for. 7.30pm every Friday.
NO uniform required no sign up just a free class. Casual attendance is fine. Just come along no need to book.
Do you have the perfect puppy........or does the puppy and/or you need training???
High Five Puppy Skills is noted for fun, professional, flexible and innovative training specializing in 8 to 16-week old puppies. Individual sessions with the option of socialization and tricks/games classes to … View moreDo you have the perfect puppy........or does the puppy and/or you need training???
High Five Puppy Skills is noted for fun, professional, flexible and innovative training specializing in 8 to 16-week old puppies. Individual sessions with the option of socialization and tricks/games classes to follow. All held at secure and safe venue in Avonhead.
CONFIDENTpuppy // WELLADJUSTEDpuppy // HAPPYfamily
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