100 poppies planted at Shire Hall to mark 100th anniversary of First World War

Prince Edward County staff will plant 100 poppies at Shire Hall this month to serve as a reminder of lives lost in in the First World War.
The County is joining dozens of towns and cities responding to a request made by Cobourg’s Theresa Glover, who has asked municipalities to plant 100 poppies in their public gardens to commemorate the centennial anniversary.

Glover’s requests have evolved into a national campaign, and municipalities and residents alike are stepping up to plant the commemorative flower in remembrance of sacrifices made.

“We gladly and soberly support the 100 poppies initiative,” said County mayor Peter Mertens. “These flowers will act as a reminder to the entire community of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the First World War – and in the 100 years since.”

July 28, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the day the First World War was declared. Poppies have long served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers. Their symbolism was made famous in the poem ‘In Flander’s Fields’, written by Canadian army physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who lost his life in the First World War.