Lines from the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ appeared at iconic locations across Britain and France today for the launch of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
Extracts from John McCrae’s renowned work were emblazoned on sites including the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the White Cliffs of Dover and Dunkirk Beach.
The poem was written after poppies bloomed on the battle fields of the First World War despite the destruction around them.
The individual letters of the poem are made up of clusters of poppies, giving the impression the lines of the poem have grown from the ground.
Verse also appeared at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Cardiff Bay, Salford Quays and outside the Sage in Newcastle.
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: ‘We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £47 million.’
Extracts from John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’ were emblazoned on sites including the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the White Cliffs of Dover and Dunkirk Beach. Pictured is the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Here the lines read: In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row
In the last year the generosity of the British public helped the Legion answer more than 1,077,000 requests for help, many of which came from former servicemen. Pictured is Sage Gateshead. Here the lines read: That mark our place; and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Pictured is Dunkirk Beach, the site of the famous evacuation in 1940. Here the lines read: Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields
The Royal British Legion said it wants people to rethink the meaning of the poppy and recognise it as a symbol of hope. Pictured is Cardiff Bay. Here the lines read: Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw
The individual letters of the poem are made up of clusters of poppies, giving the impression the lines of the poem have grown from the ground. Pictured is the National Memorial Arboretum. Here the lines read: The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: ‘The Poppy Appeal 2017 is encouraging the public to recognise that your poppy supports the Armed Forces community past and present, and is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope.’ Pictured is Salford Quays. Here the lines read: We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders fields