Remembrance Day Armband - Red poppy

The red poppy is one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance. Its significance comes from the First World War:

• Origins in the battlefields: After the devastation of trench warfare, red poppies were among the first flowers to grow back on the churned-up soil of northern France and Flanders. Their bright colour against the mud came to symbolise both the bloodshed of soldiers and the resilience of life.

• Poetic association: The image was popularised by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields”, which described poppies growing among the graves of soldiers. This poem spread widely during the war and fixed the association of the flower with sacrifice.

• Adoption as a remembrance symbol: In 1921, the Royal British Legion adopted the red poppy as its emblem. Since then, poppies have been worn across the Commonwealth in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (11 November) and Remembrance Sunday as a visible tribute to those who died in war.

• Meaning today:

  • It honours the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

  • It represents remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

  • The poppy appeal also raises funds for veterans and their families.

So, the red poppy is not just a flower – it’s a living memorial, combining remembrance of past conflicts with ongoing support for those affected.

MySleeve armbands are meticulously hand-made with premium, durable materials, ensuring lasting quality.

Our sleeves are made from premium elastic and are one size fit all.