Commonwealth Leaders Received Ceramic Poppies from British PM During G20 Summit

British PM David Cameron gave one ceramic poppy to each of the Commonwealth leaders attending the G20 summit which ran from November 15 and 16 in Australia. According to him, the ceramic poppies, which came from the remarkable Tower of London installation, are in recognition of their countries’ important contributions during the Great War.

The British PM handed one ceramic poppy from the inspiring Blood Swept lands and Seas of Red display to each Commonwealth leaders — New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada and Singapore.

In his statement, the British PM said that the wonderful ceramic poppy display in the moat of the Tower of London had gripped the imagination of countless of people across Britain and he wanted to share that feeling to his fellow Commonwealth leaders. He added that the ceramic poppies he gave stand for the acknowledgement and the appreciation he has for the sacrifices the Commonwealth nations gave for the war effort during the WWI conflict.

British PM David Cameron pointed out that in a time where we really have to remember those who stood beside us during those chaotic and difficult times, the ceramic poppy display really highlighted the unified work as well as the sacrifices during the First World War.

Each of the ceramic poppy presented to the Commonwealth leaders had a message from poet John Maxwell Simmons which said:

When you go home, tell them of us: and say

For your tomorrow, we gave our today…

 

Heziel Pitogo

Heziel Pitogo is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE