General News
8 November, 2025
Poppies a symbol of respect
AS has been the tradition now for over a century, Australians will pause at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, to quietly remember members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during the first world war. Remembrance Day falls on the anniversary of The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of World War I as a prelude to peace negotiations, which took effect at 11am on November 11, 1918.
Red poppies were adopted to symbolise Remembrance Day and have become a staple part of the Returned & Services League’s fundraising for programs supporting defence force veterans their families.
In addition to the traditional poppies and badges, RSL Victoria has introduced virtual poppies for purchase online, allowing members of the public to name and dedicate a poppy in honour of someone who has served and share it with their social media network.
“The virtual poppy will allow members of the community to honour a friend, a family member or even a stranger whose story has meant something to them,” said RSL Victoria president Dr Mark Schröffel.
“It is a way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
Traditional poppies and badges are currently for sale through thousands of dedicated volunteers at shopping centres and street corners across Victoria and can also be purchased from RSL sub-branches or online through the Poppy Appeal website.
This week in Stawell, members of the local RSL sub-branch were mingling with shoppers on Main Street, selling a range of poppies and badges with all proceeds going directly to the RSL’s Poppy Appeal.
Stawell RSL president Geoff Reading said it’s important for people to keep in mind the significance of the red poppy.
“We must always remember how many people died in those poppy fields over there,” Mr Reading said.
The red poppy was the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium during WWI and in soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground.
Stawell RSL will conduct a short Remembrance Day service at 11am on Tuesday, at the Stawell Avenue of Honour memorial located outside Stawell Library.
Donations to the Poppy Appeal can be made at www.poppyappeal.com.au, or through buying a poppy from the Stawell RSL sub-branch.
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