The Miracle Flower

The Flanders Field Poppy was first created as a symbol of Remembrance by an American teacher, Moina Belle Michael 1869-1944. The idea came to her in a moment of revelation and is mentioned in her autobiography 'The Miracle Flower' published in 1941. The book is dedicated to the late Colonel John McCrae, whose poem 'We Shall Not Sleep,' or, known as 'In Flanders Fields,' was the inspiration for her idea of the Flanders Field Memorial Poppy. As a result of her dedication the poppy is now an internationally recognised symbol of Remembrance and Welfare for Veterans. As a member of the Y.M.C.A. at home and abroad, she scoured the New York shops to buy the first poppies which she handed out to people. The poem that inspired this dedicated lady ends....." 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. This fine exhibition of paintings of poppies is in The Murray Edwards College, Cambridge.