A graphic representation of the passage of time and act of recollection. The poppy flower has become a symbol of remembrance representing the sacrifice of soldiers in battle, specifically soldiers from World War I. In the famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” the poet, soldier, and physician John McCrae noticed how the disturbed earth of soldier’s graves encouraged the growth of poppies, visually vibrant and bright red flowers. The popularity of the poem inspired many people to adopt the symbol of poppies to signify the act of remembrance. Poppies are still worn or placed on graves to this day.

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.