As the world prepares to mark Remembrance Day this November, the red poppy once again takes its place as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and collective memory — including here in Monaco.

Each year, the bright red flower appears on lapels around the world, honouring members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in conflict, and showing solidarity with veterans, active service personnel, and their families. For the French and Monaco branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the message is simple: wearing a poppy is not about obligation, but about remembrance and hope.

“The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, one that carries a wealth of history and meaning with it,” the RBL explains. “Wearing a poppy is a personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory, but it is always appreciated by those it supports.”

The History Behind the Flower

The story of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance begins on the battle-scarred fields of World War I. Much of the fighting on the Western Front took place in Belgium and northern France, where heavy shelling and trench warfare destroyed once-lush landscapes, leaving behind mud, craters, and devastation.

Yet amidst the ruin, one flower not only survived but thrived: the common red field poppy (Papaver rhoeas). Its seeds, long dormant in the earth, were stirred by the disruption of the soil and blossomed into brilliant carpets of colour in the most unexpected places — between trenches, along roadsides, and across no man’s land.

This visual contrast left a profound impression on those who witnessed it, including Canadian military doctor Lt. Col. John McCrae. After the death of a friend in Ypres, McCrae penned his famous poem In Flanders Fields, which opened with the line:
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row…”

His words resonated deeply with soldiers and civilians alike and eventually inspired the poppy’s adoption as the enduring symbol of remembrance by the Royal British Legion and similar organisations around the world.

Monaco’s Ongoing Support

In Monaco and surrounding regions, the poppy continues to be a vital part of commemorative efforts each year. The local RBL branch runs a dedicated Poppy Appeal, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to support the Armed Forces community while paying tribute to those who served.

Poppies and donation boxes will be available at multiple locations during the lead-up to Remembrance Day:

• Eric Blair, Blair SAM – 11 avenue Saint Michel

• St Paul’s Anglican Church – 22 avenue de Grande Bretagne, during regular services

Those who would like to contribute or request a poppy can also do so by calling 06 78 63 33 57 or emailing bam@monaco.mc for more information on local distribution points.

Join the Community

With active Royal British Legion branches across France and Monaco, those who wish to support the cause year-round or get involved more directly are encouraged to join the French/Monaco branch. For membership enquiries, contact 06 22 35 16 01 or email gdfassoc@gmail.com.

More Than a Symbol

The red poppy may be small, but its significance is vast. It represents the memory of lives lost, the courage of those who serve, and the hope that peace will one day prevail. In Monaco, as elsewhere, wearing the poppy is an act of quiet solidarity — a sign that even in a fast-moving world, we remember.

For more on the Royal British Legion’s work in France and Monaco, visit rblfrance.org.

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Photo credit: Travis Leery, Unsplash