JKR

Today marks Remembrance day, 88 years after the first official Legion Poppy Day in 1921. These first poppies were created by Moina Bell Michael, an American War Secretary. With 36 million poppies produced this year and current donations equating to £1,285,425, the sheer magnitude of this campaign is inspiring. The poppy has remained a constant over the years with little change to the design. As a result, it has become a unifying symbol of tribute to and support for veterans of war recognised around the world.

Branding observations about the poppy are almost unseemly and certainly of little consequence on this day. But for what it’s worth, the poppy seems to be the perfect vehicle for the campaign, from a perspective of its poetry, relevance and impact. And the unchanging simple paper and stem format is both distinctive but democratic in its universal adoption. Somehow, for me, the more fancy versions of the poppy which are available feel at odds with the humility which the occasion calls for. Sometimes the lily doesn’t need to be gilded.