November 17, 2014

The Poppy Moat at the Tower of London - a remembrance of World War One

World War I was a military conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved most of the world's great powers.

The total number of casualties in World War I, both military and civilian, were about 37 million: 16 million deaths and 21 million wounded. The total number of deaths includes 9.7 million military personnel and about 6.8 million civilians. The Entente Powers (also known as the Allies) lost 5.7 million soldiers and the Central Powers about 4 million.

The Poppy moat at the Tower of London
World War I devastated an entire generation and changed the world. Conflicts were no longer regional, they started becoming global. The sheer amount of destruction and death has only been eclipsed by World War II.

Since it ended, all countries involved have held memorials to remember their fallen dead who sacrificed their lives for the good of their country. This fact is all the more so in England, where nearly a million people lost their lives. What they've done to commemorate their fallen soldiers is truly beautiful, while also helping us understand the true scope of these soldiers' sacrifice. Even a hundred years later, we should not forget their incredible acts of heroism.

In the summer of 2014, the moat that surrounds the Tower of London was filled with 888,246 red ceramic poppies, one for each British and Colonial soldier who perished during World War I.

Speak up for peace.  It is time. 

God save us from the war-mongers.  They are killing us, Father.  

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