On 11 November 2008 Michael Sylvester wrote: >I could swear that while growing up on the Caribbean Island of St.Lucia, >we had a holiday called Poppy Day and we actually sold poppies. >Obviously, it must have been a British thing. Is this same as Armistice >day or Veterans day as celebrated today in the U.S? And why a poppy >flower? Anything to do with opium?
Apparently the idea originated from an American teacher, Moina Michael: http://www.greatwar.co.uk/umbrella/ffpopmoina.htm Another name of note is Mr P Vandenbraambussche (the longest surname outside Thailand?), Superintendant of the Ypres Police in 1928. Following his suggestion, the Last Post has been played in the town every night for 80 years (27,566 times so far), excepting of course the period of German occupation 1940-1944. http://www.greatwar.co.uk/westfront/ypsalient/meningate/lastpost.htm Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
