Monday 4 August 2014

Poppies at the Tower

Today marked the centenary of the start of the First World War. There were many services happening throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. At the Tower of London ceramic poppies are being planted in memory of the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives.



At the moment there are about 120,000 poppies that volunteers have placed in the moat  around the Tower. They will continue to plant them until 888,246 poppies have been placed. That is one for every British and Colonial soldier who died in the war.






 The last poppy to be laid will be on 11th November.







The name of the installation is:
Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red by Paul Cummi

Sharing with Our World Tuesday

34 comments:

  1. This is so amazing, such a great way to show all the victims with this sea of red.

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  2. OOH! At first glance the poppies in the distance do look like blood. Seems like a fitting tribute to all the lives lost in the First World War.

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  3. Wow, fantastic idea to commemorate soldiers who lost their youth.

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  4. Thanks for sharing this. What an incredible tribute.

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  5. Even more heartbreaking still is that it did not end all wars.

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  6. A stunning tribute and a poignant reminder of the stupidity of war. Sadly we are now experiencing a growing number of people who think that the imposition of their views upon others justifies killing.
    Warm regards

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  7. Wow! What gorgeous poppies and beautiful way to honor the soldiers ~ Wonderful photography ~ for OWT ~ xoxox

    artmusedog and carol ( A Creative Harbor

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  8. A beautiful but solemn sight

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  9. I wonder if American soldiers would appreciate being referred to as colonial soldiers...just thinking out loud

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  10. Wow, what a sight! It both both kind of sad and beautiful.. A lovely way to honor the WWI soldiers. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!

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  11. That is amazing and very symbolic.

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  12. Great idea the way it is being done.
    It does look beautiful but sad at the same moment.

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  13. Very poignant. I love the poppies. They are a memorable part of the memorial.

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  14. What a remarkable sight to see! Truly stirring. I did nor know that so many Bristish and Colonial soldiers died in that war--what a tragedy!

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  15. I didn't know and am so glad you shared this. xo Jenny

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  16. A beautiful way to remember this sad time for eternity. That number is staggering (I knew that it was a great loss of life and have read many books, but just seeing the number -- what a stark reminder.)

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  17. Beautiful place. I like the way poppies are spread out.

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  18. Wow - what a beautiful way to remember the fallen.

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  19. Beautiful and poignant. Thanks for sharing this with me. I had no idea it was being done. I am very moved by these pictures. Thank you.

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  20. It's so striking, the red of life, blood shed and beauty. I'm confused as to whether it is real or an artist's rendering.

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  21. How beautiful. Can't wait to see it!

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  22. Marie - saw this on Twister Sifter today about the poppies. There's a video about how they are being made.
    http://twistedsifter.com/2014/08/tower-of-london-poppy-installation/

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  23. Impressive and moving! In Germany we still feel so guilty that we can't even remember our fallen with dignity.

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  24. Yes, I've been thinking about this a lot. CBC has had many stories and interviews with people connected to WW1 history. I still wonder about the lessons learned, especially with current conflicts, but love the respect given to a significant part of our history. Wonderful photos. The poppy idea is a beautiful one!

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  25. That is an amazing and though-provoking installation.

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  26. I saw this on the news...but your pictures are so much better....Janey

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  27. Wow, Wow!!! What a great sight for remembrance of the soldiers. Thank you SO much sharing this important and meaningful shots from you☆☆☆

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs to from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  28. What a wonderful thing to do! And the combinations of beautiful colour and that wonderful old (but scary) old building is fantastic.

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  29. That looks beautiful ! From what I have heard here, the Belgians were more interested in William and Kate's visit then in the 1st world war ! I watched the Belgian News in Eastbourne !

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  30. A great way to symbolise a shocking loss of life. I with I had seen the flowers.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

    PS: the two yellow cars were just too good to miss!

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