How do I make poppies for a Remembrance Day memorial?

Joyce
by Joyce

I would like to make a Remembrance Day popup memorial park in my front yard. I was looking to hang poppies in the big trees but haven’t been able to find any in stores. Maybe some on stakes in the ground, crosses with poppies in the centre; a sign explaining that this is the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. I need some quick ideas for projects, as Remembrance Day is fast approaching. Thanks for your ideas.

  4 answers
  • Joyce Joyce on Oct 31, 2018

    Here's a picture of the front of my house.

    • Oliva Oliva on Oct 31, 2018

      Hi, Joyce,

      Your front yard would lend itself to hanging small LED lights around the tree trunks, between tree trunks, or simply placing an LED stake light on the crosses between the trees. Can you starch pieces of fabric which could then be folded to resemble poppies?

      If you're handy with woodworking tools, you might be able to cut poppy shapes from wood, paint and poly, and secure them to ground stakes. Perhaps also a sign "the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month of 1918". The total number of casualties was staggering. May we never forget.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 31, 2018

    What war, why poppies, where are you from??

  • Oliva Oliva on Oct 31, 2018

    Kelli,

    This is a historical event, that any number of people will commemorate.

    Those who are older will recall their grandparents always purchasing poppies to remember those who served and died in World War I. Many of their friends who served suffered irreversible effects or death, due to the Chlorine gas the Germans used against the Allied troops.

    The casualties of that War were staggering. Their children and grandchildren were taught the significance of the poppy, and many incorporated them into their landscapes, in this country, and in Europe, Canada, etc.

    I applaud Joyce's efforts in remembering those who served.

    • Joyce Joyce on Nov 01, 2018

      Great explanation Olivia. Kelli, this is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. In Canada, where I live, the whole country commemorates this day every year in schools, communities, veterans associations, churches, community groups. Poppies are still sold all over Canada to raise money for veterans and to ensure we never forget...As it is the 100th Anniversary I thought I would try to do something special.

  • Oliva Oliva on Oct 31, 2018

    Hi, Joyce, given the time of year, your decorations will depend upon the weather conditions. If crepe paper would survive, you could fashion giant poppies from them, or a wreath of poppies. Your idea is a reminder of Flanders' Field.

    Perhaps you could locate or create helmets similar to those who served during those years.

    I think your efforts are a valuable statement to remember those who served, and the sacrifices they made. God bless you!