Mark from the States and The Tower of London Poppies

[@katydaniels508]

Hi from England. Thank you for watching this and for your kindness and respect. It’s very special isn’t it? ❤️

[@MarkfromtheStates]

It was so good and emotional. Love it. Thanks Katy I appreciate you watching with me.

[@sassyjintheuk]

I was privileged to be a volunteer helping to install his artwork. It was the most moving thing thing I have ever done. God bless all.xxx

[@MarkfromtheStates]

And to you .. What a cool experience

[@sassyjintheuk]

It was amazing. Especially finding myself up to my knees in The Thames at Traitors Gate. Made me smile that did. Lovely people around and those tourists watching as we worked. My Pa was in the RAF & MA in the War Office during WW2. Grandfather's in Ww1. Both grandpa's survived but died young so i never met them. So grateful to our allies for the continued relationship we have and the incredible bravery on all sides. Amazing men and women.😊💕💕

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Absolutely... So welll said... Brings a 😊 to my face. Thank you

[@winkle1]

Thanks sassy brilliant work 🤝👍❤️

[@sassyjintheuk]

@@winkle1 thank q. I was just one dumpy lady amoung 100's of thousands of volunteers. But i felt it was so powerful, I was so connected and so blessed. They saved us. I'm blessed I was allowed to be there at all. i'll never forget it. I really appreciate deeply your kind words. Thank God for the bravery of all including our North American cousins. We had and have each other's back. As we approach Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, we remember, we commemorate, we thank and we promise to move forward positively, inclusively and Kindly. Amen.

[@kaylucas51]

Our generations owe so much to these who gave their lives for us so thankful I am so proud of my country

[@MarkfromtheStates]

As you should be. Thanks Kay

[@timberwolf5211]

About 4 years ago, my daughter's friend from Iowa came over to the UK, and was here for Remembrance Sunday. As he watched the mass bands, the laying of the wreaths by the Royal Family, at the Cenotaph in London, and the images of other wreaths being laid around the world, the pause for silence, followed by column after column of service men and women, volunteers, and family members, all marching, or being pushed, guided along. He amazed at the sight, commenting that where he was from, unless you were a Veteran, related to, or knew one, one one else bothered to mark the day. He said that we all wear paper poppies, on the days running up to Remembrance Sunday, and it shown live on TV. That everyone joins in, not just those that are remembering loved ones, past and present. This year Remembrance Sunday is on the 13th of November, if you can see it via the BBC or whatever, it starts at 10.30am UK time.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

I'm so looking forward to it. Memorial day is generally the day we honor those no longer with us. Veterans Day, which is also the 11th, does seem to go by with far less fanfare.

[@bettygreenslade2730]

.

[@Sophie.S..]

I visited the Tower of London to see this display - it was absolutely breathtaking. So much love and respect was put in to this. I will never forget this experience.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Awesome

[@steelm00]

My grandfather died in 1940, aged 51, from the effects of gas 23 years before. His brother went missing in 1917 and was never found. His other brother lost an arm and took his own life in the 1920's. I bought three of these ceramic poppies when the display was dismantled

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. Thank you for your family's honorable service.

[@lsmith9249]

Martin Steel 4 of the poppies represented 4 of my ancestors who i'd only learned about a few years before while doing my family tree.1 was a great uncle who has also never been found, but l feel as though l have gotten to know them and feel so proud, unfortunately l was unable to get any of the poppies but have commemorative coins

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So nice

[@tracymcardle1236]

So sorry to hear of your loss, we bought a poppy it was and is treasured by our family

[@HankD13]

An ex-soldier myself, I surprised when my Hong Kong born wife volunteered to be one of the "poppy volunteers" - and she then told me the stories of how much the British military had meant to her growing up into hillside shanty towns of Hong Kong - the mud slides that destroyed so much of it. It made a long-lasting impression on her that she had never really spoken to me about - "The Life of Suzy Wong" sums it up. It was a very special and moving installation that affected a great many people - my mum lost a brother in WW2 Burma, and no family member had ever seen his grave in Rangoon. She said this had helped her with that.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Wow thanks Ian for sharing this... So special

[@MERISI001]

I saw this display and it was absolutely stunning.Once you get over the magnitude of the artwork the real meaning of the project then hits you and will stay with you.

[@petrinadendy6395]

The " outfit" that man and women had on is that of a pearly king and queen. A traditon from the east end of London. The buttons were made of mother of pearl. The poor man's jewel. They do a lot of fund raising nowadays.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh nice... Love this

[@generaladvance5812]

I learnt something new today.

[@shall-ww7kh]

I feel so lucky I have two of these poppies with me. They are truly cherished and will be passed on to my children.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Love it

[@irenehutchison9908]

Such a moving tribute to those who lost their lives for us to live in peace

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Agreed

[@claredawson9531]

One of the most moving events I have attended. My then 7 year old son was speechless and it was a great way to open a conversation about remembrance and why it is important we should all should never forget our past.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

That's great

[@vallee3140]

We do things so well makes me really proud. That was a fantastic idea.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So wonderful

[@nilocnolnah6788]

Only the British.

[@Kernewik101]

Was lucky enough to see this, although briefly....it was stunning, moving & beautiful.💝

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So good

[@winslow137]

I traveled 100 miles to see this amazing spectacle,it was like a pilgrimage of all faiths, colours and beliefs. So glad I went 🇬🇧

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Glad you enjoyed it! Wish I could of seen it.

[@claregale9011]

Got me choked up , I wear my poppy each Yr to remember those who paid the ultimate price , lots of memorials in towns, cities , villages that we have services and lay reefs of poppies but the service at the cenotaph in London is the main one the King will lay his reef along with members of the commonwealth countries it's really moving when the veterans march past and salute the memorial .

[@jemmajames6719]

Don’t forget the money from poppies helps ex servicemen and women and their families.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So cool love it

[@gdok6088]

Thank you for sharing this video Mark and for your respectful, thoughtful reaction and words. You are so right your military and our military both stand for the same thing; the defence of our freedoms and democracy. You guys across the pond are our cousins - we are kindred spirits. Thanks again for your channel from over here in the UK 🇬🇧

[@MarkfromtheStates]

No thank you for the kind words and allowing me to experience everything your wonderful part of the world has to offer. I can't wait to come visit

[@timberwolf5211]

Growing up in my house, meant that I couldn't escape "BORING WAR FILMS," that my dad would watch. They were always WW2 only from the Allied side, everything from big and little budget Hollywood movies, with John Wayne, or Sean Connery etc. or other smaller budget Britsh made films, that were based on true events. I had no interest in them, so I would go off to play. This lack of interest also included Remembrance Sunday, where my parents would drag me out of bed a few minutes before 11am for the 3 minutes of silence, before I dragged my teenage body back to bed for another hour or so. I never got it. It meant nothing to me. I never saw or understood why there were cameras at other military graves sites, or watched the laying of the wreaths. I never heard their stories about loved ones that never came back. I just didn't care, it was boring. Then when I was 17, my dad forefilled his promise to my mum, to take her to the Netherlands. We went for two weeks, the first week on a cabin cruiser, travelling around by boat. The second week, we were going to various Dutch cities staying in hotels. One of which was at Arnhem. My dad had want to visit the city for a long time, ever since he'd watched "A BRIDGE TOO FAR." All about the Allied advance in September 1944, Operation Market Garden. So as my bored 17 year old wandered around the museum, waiting for my parents and uncle, I was getting impatient. Then when we left, we got a bus to the War Graves, at Oosterbeek, just outside of Arnhem, so Dad could pay his respects. As we wondered around, I decided to look at the graves and read their names and ages. There were all the ages, as you could imagine, men in their 20s, 30s and 40s, about what I expected. Then I found a couple of 20 and 21 year olds, and then a 19 Yr old, and then several 18 year old. And I realised that these 18 year old lads were only a few months older than me, if that! Had they lied about their age? Were they 17, or younger? And I thought, these lads had had No life at all. They weren't even old enough to drive, vote or drink! And yet here they lie. They had given their lives, practically children. They would never marry, have children, grow old and die in their beds, safe and sound. They would lie here forever. And it hit me, I finally got it. I was a weeping mess! And then on the way back to the hotel, on the bus, we actually me a war vet, that had been fighting at Arnhem. He told us that he'd been hidden by a Dutch family. He talked a little about what happened, and how every year he came to Arnhem for the memorial service, and to pay respects to his friends burried at the Graves. He said that he was given free accommodation with the family that had helped him, every year. And asked If we were going the service following week? We said no we would be home by then. He said it was a shame as it was a beautiful service, all the young children from the local schools, all came and put flowers on every grave. We wished him well, as we reached our stop. A few months later, I was actually the first up for Remembrance Sunday that year, and I dont think I've missed one since. With that visit, I finally got it and understood. After that I used to watch a lot of the war films Dad had, and have enjoyed many of them in the years since. We even went back 2 years later for the 60th anniversary of the battle of Arnhem in 2004. There were hundreds of people at the Graves, as my 9 Yr old daughter sat down on the edge of the kerb, with other kids, the Queen of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix and our the Prince Charles walked past us. The service, as promised was beautiful, and although I never got to speak to him again, I did see the British soldier we'd spoken to before. That was 18 years ago, sadly, I doubt he's still with us now. He's probably, finally with his friends.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

This is such an amazing story. Thank you Timber for sharing. I'm looking forward to watching it for the first time

[@sedekiman]

That was a wonderful story, heartfelt and touching. My grand father is buried in Belgium, my father was in the RAF, and survived WW11. I so enjoyed listening to him and my mother telling stories about the Blitz, as he was eventually stationed in London. What a wonderful generation they were. And now sadly wwe have lost Her Majesty the Queen, another link with those years.

[@peacemaker6662]

To those they left behind... they gave a future. It is all they ever wanted 🙂

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Wow sedekiman. Thank you for your family's service

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So true Peacemaker

[@sandrabutler8483]

I bought one of these afterwards, representing both sets of grandparents who were born between 1895 and 1905 luckily my older grandad came back from WW1 but many on both sides of the family never, so many people I and others never got too meet, but I'm always in their debt for the freedom they all gave us. I was privileged to have both sets of grandparents around for a good number of years during my life, who taught me a lot and I always appreciate the opportunity of having them in my life and that of some Uncles and Cousins who fought for us

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Love this. thank you for sharing this

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh that's cool idea

[@sandrabutler8483]

@@MarkfromtheStates you can also buy your Poppies from there, I hadn't seen the other video before giving you the website. BTW they lit 10,000 torches four years later in the same place at The Tower and A Blooming Meadow for the Queens Platinum Jubilee this year. There is a Channel 5 TV programme Inside The Tower Of London which has been on for the last few years, which will give you a good insight into the running of, and how you become a Beefeater which many think are actors, when they're actually people who've served at least 20 years in our Armed Forces

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Okay yes I want to see this... Thanks Sandra. Interesting about the Beefeaters

[@sandrabutler8483]

@@MarkfromtheStates I think it's on KZbin, but if you install a VPN and set it to the UK you'll be able to watch it and anything else outside of the UK, and listen to our BBC radio shows which you might enjoy, varied stations from BBC Radio 1 for the younger people, Radio 2 for people my age and above, and I'm older than yourself, we have a mixture of presenters, from Michael Ball, Jamie Cullum, Elaine Paige from the world of film and theatre, and many guest presenters I think BBC radio has 6 stations these days

[@blondieandthefatman]

I visited the display and there were so many people, many of them tourists from overseas. The silence was deafening. Never been in such a large crowd which was silent. It really bought it home when you actually see it, how many men, both British and commonwealth, died in 4 years of fighting. There were people of all ages with tears in their eye. It emotional effected those who were there.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Yes indeed

[@sueprinn1709]

I went to see this Mark and it was so amazing and moving. Just beautiful. For a couple of years I sold poppies from a tray in the street (like in Eleanor Rigby song). I was stunned how many people put £10 and £20 notes in the tin for a paper poppy. You should watch the final scene in the last episode of Blackadder Goes Forth. I'm not saying anymore....just watch It!

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks Sue... Gonna watch all of it

[@sueprinn1709]

Have a box of tissues at the ready. It was an extremely funny series and I think the whole watching nation were in tears at the closing scene. It took us by surprise and was big in the news the next day x

[@MsCheesemonster13]

Yes, keep watching right up past the end. It annoys me that one of the KZbin videos misses this bit out.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Such build up... Hopefully I can wait

[@sueprinn1709]

@@MarkfromtheStates You won't be disappointed Mark. One of the most remembered moments of British TV. Xxxx

[@MaryBradley-s3s]

Thankyou Mark Masterson you have the best videos, thankyou from the UK.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Glad you like them!

[@barbaratg5230]

Only the Brits could even think about putting on and organising a wonderful, resprectful display like his for those who gave their lives for us.

[@welshpete12]

You come across as such a nice guy ! Respects to you and your family from Wales UK .

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you...very kind

[@shaun-hoppy]

I've been sending poppies to friends in America for the last few years now, they love the idea of poppy day and wanted to show their support and loved the fact that it raises money for veterans, America has now started doing its own poppies based on the Canadian poppy, but it's very early on and in very few places and numbers

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Love it

[@duncanselvester1045]

I was very privileged to be invited to be in the moat as the last poppy was placed by a pupil of mine, Harry Hayes. He was an exemplary student and cadet and I travelled on his coat tails to be in London in 2014. I have been SO luck in my life, my beautiful wife, my amazing two sons,parading at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday before the nation, but this will remain one of my treasured memories.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

That was awesome. Thanks for sharing Duncan

[@patriciabailey1937]

Don’t do yourself down Mark. We can’t all go to fight a war, but we can fight injustices at home by speaking out against wrongdoing,, or doing some little insignificant deed that to many will not count for much, but to some other might mean everything! We have our little corner in society that always has the down-trodden or dispirited or lonely people who believe they have no worth and nobody to care about them - strength comes in many forms and battles can be won without guns. ❤🇬🇧

[@gerardhoolachan2172]

Hello bud, i was in the forces , and went down to see the poppies , i was in tears , l am lucky enough to own two of these poppies , i am very privilaged to have them , they sit in a vase at the side of my television , so every now and then i glance towards them , with a glass of single malt, or a cheeky port in hand i raise my glass always , We will remember them .

[@MarkfromtheStates]

That's wonderful

[@gerardhoolachan2172]

@@MarkfromtheStates 👍❤️

[@Bellabob]

I bought these poppies for my family, to commemorate my great great uncles who died during the First World War. I also took a trip to see the poppies at the Tower, it was an awe inspiring sight.

[@anthonyashton8330]

Thank you for replying to all most every post mark you have my respect, hope you make it to the uk, keep up the good work love your channel 👍🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks Anthony...I try to get to everyone... Some days are tougher than others. Hope to visit soon

[@alisonrandall3039]

This is the famous poem about the poppy. Written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: 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.

[@sueprinn1709]

Just beautiful and thank you

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Absolutely wonderful

[@alisonrandall3039]

@@MarkfromtheStates one of my favourite poems.

[@GayJayU26]

There is a service everywhere in every town and village in the U.K. around our war memorials.

[@ernieeade]

Two of my uncles died in WW1 obviously i never knew them but actually going there to see all these poppies it suddenly hit me why on 11th November every year i saw my father crying . Now with a son who is in the armoured forces and served in two conflicts and lost friends . It brings it home to me more . I always observe the two minutes silence and have done since childhood .

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks for sharing

[@ernieeade]

@@MarkfromtheStates When was a child Nov 11th was always remembered on 11th at 11am by everything and everybody stopped ! buses - trains -cars shops -with everybody standing still with heads bowed . I still do , and find it a shame that very few do .

[@keithrudd8003]

As a British Army veteran, I will be at the cenotaph on Sunday 13th,as I do every year .. it’s an amazing emotional day …

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you for your service

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

I saw this display. It was superb. You must remember that we lost an entire generation in the first world war, either killed or injured. It changed our country forever.

[@cazyaz523]

I am very fortunate to have two of those ceramic poppies from the Tower display given to me by family members. I cherish them.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

That is awesome!

[@larryfroot]

The words "And how the hapless soldiers sigh runs in blood down palace walls..." by William Blake sprung unbidden to my mind when I saw this extraordinary memorial.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Nice

[@richardj9016]

I saw this exhibition. I was overwhelmed by the number of poppies there in the vast display, each representing a life lost. But then I went round the corner and there was the same amount again. It was a profound experience.

[@hughfranklin4002]

Every time i see this it sends shivers down my spine, it is beautiful.

[@rogerraynsford5737]

When my dad was called up during WW2 he was sent to Burma. They changed ship in Durban South Africa, and when the ship he was on left port it was hit by torpedoes. When he eventually did get to Burma, he was in the RAMC he walked unknowingly across a Japanese mine field several times before he found out and was stopped. I was lucky my dad come home others were not so lucky. Yes, I will remember.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow Roger... Thank you for sharing this.

[@ravencottage]

I was able to order one of those poppies for a cousin's birthday here in the USA. It arrived in perfect condition and beautifully packaged.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Nice

[@LotteRaynerRedman]

My Great-Grandfather died in WW1, while my Great-Grandmother was left at home, expecting my Grandpa. This meant that he never got to meet his baby son. On Remembrance Day, I always think of his sacrifice (and how lucky I am that my Grandpa was already on his way so that I'm here at all). Both my Grandads served in WW2, and both came home safely, but my mother's father had a plate in his head from a terrible shrapnel wound.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow. Thank you for sharing

[@alisonrandall3039]

My great grandfather James Lyon’s served in the WW1. He was in the Royal Engineers. James was already in the army when war was declared. He was not conscripted and served throughout the war in France. He kept a diary as many did. He talks about heavy shelling, of the people who were killed. The letters he received from my great grandmother. The awful food they had to eat. His unit as were many dug the trenches for the men. He was at all the major battles. When he came home he very much disliked gardening. All that digging. The poppies that are worn are made by injured servicemen/women. They are to raise money for the British legion. Who help service men and women when they leave the military.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

This is so special... Thank you Alison for sharing this story... Thank you and your family for their service

[@franciscook5819]

At the start of the war (WW1) the population of the UK was 44 million (including 4.3Min Ireland). That nearly 900,000 lives were lost (including Commonwealth) brings home the real magnitude of the loss. It is often said that we lost a generation of our finest. WW1 was a tragedy of epic proportions. This was a fitting and moving memorial.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Wow

[@tonyowen8349]

We will remember them❤️hi mark greetings from Anglesey north wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Hello Tony. Thanks for watching with me

[@kevelliott]

I've just read Erich Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front' for the first time. As a result, for the past few days I have prayed to give thanks that we don't have to live through that terrible inhumanity. My parents lived through WW2, and I am acutely conscious that the wave of war and destruction has passed us by in my and (so far) my kids' lives. Thanks for your reaction, and I hope and pray that war will become a diminished part of the landscape, so that we can concentrate on peaceful things.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Amen well said

[@angelawalker8615]

Most people buy and wear a poppy the proceeds go to the veterans thanks for the lovely way you did this . Every Town and city has a cenotaph and people do remember the dead on this day

[@Westcountrynordic]

Even to this day long after they have passed never really know what my English grand father and great grandfather did during WW2 apart from the fact they spent a lot time behind enemy lines in France, Belgium and Netherlands. My Norwegian grandfather drew maps of Norway, Denmark and Northern Germany for the British Army and RAF.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh my gosh the stories they must of had. Hopefully, someday, you'll be able hear/read them. Thank you for families service if I hadn't said already

[@neilanyon4792]

Complete respect to you for your appreciation and understanding. It's clear that you fully understand the sentiments behind the project. Have you checked out any of the videos of the British Forces Wives choir?

[@MarkfromtheStates]

I believe they were in last year's remembrance...or maybe I am wrong...do remember seeing something from them.

[@59jalex]

Throughout the Commonwealth, we acknowledge the sacrifice every 11th of November. The Royal British Legion stage the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, which you may like to watch and react to. It's a very moving occasion. The poppy is the perfect symbol for our remembrance, because all nations can understand the meaning behind it. It's not a show of jingoistic flag waving, it holds far more gravitas.

[@deniseadams1703]

After a short while the poppies were sold to the public and I was lucky enough to buy one. My Dad was a regular soldier for 26 years and was part of the British Expeditionary Force which was stranded at Dunkirk. He got off in one of the last big boats that took part in the rescue. Two years later he was sent to Burma and was one of the lucky ones to return home in 1946. My family also lost two sons in the WW1 so the poppies are very important to me.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you for sharing this Denise...Thank you for your Father's service and to the rest of your family.

[@MrSwifts31]

It is also nice to know,that all these many thousands of poppies that were sold,will be in hundreds of thousands of homes forever now,as they are ceramic.Giving their owners,friends and relatives thoughts of love,remembrance and appreciation for the fallen.

[@catherinewilkins2760]

Remembrance Sunday 13th of November, usually 1st Sunday after the 11th. Will be watching it on TV, most communities have their own service. All over there are War memorials. Unlike in the USA our Veterans are not allowed to wear uniform. No uniform if no longer serving in some capacity.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

You don't see it here too often unless for a special event.

[@andywood5699]

My Father and Uncle served in the second world war and my uncle died over the north sea fighting the Germans. It is touching to know that one of those poppies represented him.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you for your family's service

[@janrogers8352]

I visited the tower 4 times over the time this was being installed. My last visit was when the final poppy was placed. I now own one of those poppies and I see it every day as it is placed in my sitting room.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Very nice

[@jackharding3690]

I think you’d really like learning about the British unknown Warrior, it’s very similar to the American one but there’s about more about the ceremonies and symbolism that’s only the uk could do Love from England btw

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Love back at ya... Thanks Jack. I absolutely want to learn more and intend to in the coming days leading up to the 11th

[@gillcawthorn7572]

At the very end of the film `Oh What a Lovely War` ,with the closing acknowledgments there is a scene where you see white crosses all across the Sussex Downs ,each one to represent a casualty of that war . As the camera pulls back the crosses get smaller and smaller till they fill the entire screen .But the screen setters were only ably to plant 66,000 crosses and as we see from the Tower ,the final toll was more than 10 times that .

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh geez

[@TheCraftyflo]

I was lucky enough to buy one of those beautiful Poppies, my father was in the Navy during WW2 and got torpedoed twice, if he hadn't survived I wouldn't be here, so I value all those who didn't make it .

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Absolutely

[@Iluvantir]

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them“ “For the fallen” Robert Binyon 1914

[@keithrudd8003]

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM .

[@tracymcardle1236]

THANK YOU FOR THIS

[@greybeardmodels]

I managed to buy one of the poppies to commemorate my great uncle Albert who died on 23 August 1914 at Mons, Belgium. He was only 20 years old. God bless him. Cheers Bob

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks for sharing

[@philfenn3991]

You asked if this sort of thing is repeated. The specific exercise hasn't but at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on the evening before Cenotaph ceremony they release poppy petals from the roof of the Albert Hall onto the auditorium during the two minutes silence and each one is a British or Commonwealth live lost during the First World War or since . They quote Binyon's For the Fallen ("they shall grow not old") but there is another poignant epitaph composed by John Maxwell Edwards which is particularly apt. "When you go home, speak of us and say, 'for your tommorow we gave our today'"

[@bobbell4461]

I went to visit. My grandfather was wounded at the Somme but survived as a prisoner of war. I wear a poppy to honour him and my father's service in WW2 not to glorify war.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Absolutely wear them

[@eamonquinn5188]

My word, even a cynical old anti-war republican was moved to tears by this, and I'm Irish, peace and love to everyone

[@MarkfromtheStates]

And to you... Thanks for watching

[@winkle1]

Nothing but respect and love for the fallen Thank you for my life and future ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Agreed

[@margaretnicol3423]

If you're interested in the history of the Tower of London I recommend a guided tour by the 'Beefeater' called Bill. He's wonderful. The video is called ''Yeoman Warden At Tower Of London, Part 1 Of Four'' If you enjoyed the first one you can go on to the other 3. Sadly Bill is now retired but the others do a good job too - for when you visit there!

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Will it spoil it if I see the tour before actually talking the tour?

[@margaretnicol3423]

@@MarkfromtheStates only if you're going to take the actual tour next week! 🤣

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Lol ok then I'm all over it

[@jamespasifull]

I saw the poppy display when they had an installation in Derby, where I live.

[@daviddavis7710]

I was one of the volunteers who assembled and planted those artificial poppies in 2014. I'll swear the blonde girl at 5.52 was in my group. My poppies were at the extreme left of the installation. During the Great War, my maternal grandfather, a professional soldier, was wounded four times and my paternal grandfather's cousin was killed by a shell while he slept towards the end of the Battle of the Somme in November 1916. He was a gunner in the Canadian Army at the time.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow

[@AutoAlligator]

God bless.

[@Distant394]

Hi mark I did not go to see this myself in London , but a smaller scale version of the poppies did visit Liverpool in time for Remembrance Day 2015 , so struck with the idea that once the organisers said they will be selling them for charity I had to get 1 , not just that but my sister also bought 1 ,not that we have traced anyone from that dreadful war I didn’t and don’t care where that solider came from he died with the best intentions to give us a future , the least I can do is recognise that and respect his deeds , I actually went out in the garden about 5 hours ago and looked at it so this is very poignant today seeing your vid

[@MarkfromtheStates]

That's awesome... Thanks Allan

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Yeah St Georges hall wasn't it???

[@daviddouglas6610]

My wife and i are lucky enough to have 1, both my grandfathers served in the great war, my father in the second and my grandson is serving in thr royal navy at present

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh that's very nice

[@debbiegabrielsen4942]

After the he event people were able to buy one of these poppies displayed, we were lucky enough to do this, and we keep it displayed in our lounge

[@davidsweeney4021]

Hi Mark, I guessed you'd like this. Respect to you. x

[@jillbarnes199]

My daughter and son-in-law went to see and when they were sold bought one,most people wear the poppy to remember the lives that were lost in all wars,thank you for watching

[@MarkfromtheStates]

It's been amazing

[@angierucinski5694]

It started in 2014, each individual poppy and finished in 2018, it was planned to last as long as the First World War. Each Poppy. Each person. Thank you for your reaction and RIP to The Fallen. 🌹

[@MarkfromtheStates]

This was amazing

[@Miniae_Cecilia]

I cried... I believe I saw the poppies when they were there but I can't help but cry. Every town and small village here lost young man during the wars and we all have memorials with all the names from both wars even my new town (set up after wwii) has a list of like 100 names... It breaks my heart

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Wow thanks for sharing this Monica

[@giantputt7066]

We brought 2 of the poppies in memory of my Great Uncle who served from 1914 and then died of wounds received in 1918. The 2nd poppy was for my wife’s grandfather who died right at the start of the war when the cruiser he was serving in, Abokir, was torpedoed by a U Boat - RIP

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you for your family's service

[@margaretnicol3423]

Have you taken a look at the Gurkhas yet? The Gurkha is from Nepal and are a highly respected fighting force within the British military.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

I have not... I'll look them up

[@Codex7777]

Although this was a one-off, there's a poppy appeal every year, in the run-up to Armistice Day (11/11 at 11am, the time of the armistice that ended WW1) and Remembrance Sunday. Virtually everyone in the country buys and wears a poppy in those couple of weeks. All proceeds go to the Royal British Legion, the main veterans charity and many donate more than the cost of the poppy they buy. The poppy became the symbol of remembrance for the war dead, after WW1, as most British, Canadian and other Commonwealth troops fought and died in Flanders and Northern France. The poppy is common in those regions and was virtually the only flower that would grow in the total carnage of the WW1 battlefields, as well as on freshly dug graves. It was quicly adopted as THE symbol of remembrance and, as time has passed, has come to be the symbol for the fallen in all wars. Alongside the poppy appeal, there's a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph (tomb of the unknown soldier) in which members of the Royal Family, leaders of political parties and leaders and representatives of the armed forces and of veterans organisations all lay wreaths. There's also a veterans parade, a memorial service at Westminster Abbey and a Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. All are shown live on BBC1. In addition, a national 2 minute silence is observed at 11am on 11/11 and on Remembrance Sunday.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

So good

[@tracymcardle1236]

I went to see this, it was wonderful

[@angelabushby1891]

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them,WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

[@LondonLocal]

I was there at 7am on 11/11 on the 100th anniversary… amazing 👍🇬🇧

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Awesome experience

[@lizbignell7813]

It was lovely to see Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Yes. Thanks Liz for watching

[@alisoncauser2955]

The couple with the pearl buttons on their outfits are pearly Kings and Queens, they do a lot to raise money for charity. My Grandma lost two brothers in the ww1, she was just a4 teenager when she worked at chilwell munitions factory filling 6 inch wide howitzer shells. There was a massive explosion at the factory, the blast was heard over 30 miles away.

[@davidhall7811]

I have one of these poppies in my front garden, uplit by two spotlights at night

[@deniselada6711]

I have one of these beautiful poppies in memory of a great uncle who was killed July 1918 and also for the son he never met, born a few months earlier, who was killed November 14th 1942 whilst an Italian POW aboard SS Scillin

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow thanks for sharing this Denise

[@Dave-r4u]

People have differing views and thoughts on any war(s) eg, the rights and wrongs etc, what some forget or don't realise is the humanity that can, and was shown by opposing sides to each other. I'm 76, and remember my grandfather telling me of his experience in the Trenches. During one episode his trench was overrun by some Germans, and he lay there totally at the mercy of a German soldier of being bayoneted. However, they looked into each others eyes, and the German soldier with a nod of the head, indicated to my grandfather to get away. Fortunately my grandfather was one of the lucky ones, in that he survived the war and came home, unfortunately his 3 sons (my Uncles) never made it back home.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks for sharing this... Amazing

[@cheryla7480]

In Canada we don “celebrate “ Remembrance Day…..awe solemnly observe it , while the UK also has a Remembrance Sunday , our cere is always the 11th day of the 11 th month at the 11th hour. In WWI a Canadian surgeon, Lt. Col. John McRae wrote the famous poem “ In Flanders Fields “…..the site of a large battle, thousands upon thousands of poppies grew naturally in that field. Poppies then became the symbol of sacrifice….we wear them not only to honour our war dead, but to honour our veterans and our members of our current military. Our National observance takes place at the Cenotaph in Ottawa. It has become a tradition here….that at the end of the service the crowd spontaneously remove their poppies and place them on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

[@louisekullar6629]

Those button outfits are Pearly Queen and King ( they are market traders of London).

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you Louise. I ended up doing a watch of the pearlies...very cool

[@mariafletcher6603]

You remarked on the lady and gentlemen's clothes are called Purley kings and queens. True cockneys. and made with buttons. The history very fascinating. There's not many left it's a dying breed from UK

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Just did a video on the original Pearly King. They do so much for charity I'd hate to see them go away

[@judithrowe8065]

Most towns and villages in the UK have a wreath laying at the local war memorial. I'm always saddened to see the same surnames recurring, meaning that brothers or cousins were lost, often together. You may also be interested at looking into the 50 or so 'Thankful Villages', who didn't lose anyone.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow yes

[@lizbignell7813]

There are also doubly thankful village which did not lose anyone in either World War.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Wow what are the odds

[@kumasenlac5504]

@@MarkfromtheStates There are 50 thankful villages in England and 3 in Wales. 14 villages in England are doubly thankful. There are tens of thousands of villages and towns in England. No thankful villages have been recorded in Scotland.

[@zenadavis6069]

I’m fortunate to own one of these poppies, in memory of grandma and grandad who served in WWII. They died within 2 weeks of each other, the year of this poppy display

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thank you for sharing this

[@richardscales9560]

Didn't get to see it unfortunately though was able to contribute and buy one after the event.

[@891Henry]

The loss of so many makes you understand why it was called the Great War.

[@JimCox-mi2qi]

Mark, the poppy is a very important symbol for us in the U.K.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Yes I now own a bunch of them

[@nickgrazier3373]

Remembrance Day is this Sunday I think it’s the 13th but on the 11th the whole country holds the 2minutes silence in respect at 11 o’clock. On the Remembrance Day itself, there is a massive parade through London getting to the Cenotaph in the centre of London where the new King will lay his personal Wreath of poppies in remembrance. After this all the representative regiments of the the British and sometimes commonwealth Forces, followed by the Veterans of all the wars and conflicts around the world that we have participated in. As you can imagine even though the numbers have been curtailed (I didn’t get an invite) this will be a long column. I believe it will be broadcast world wide or at least commonwealth wide if your interested.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

I'm interested... Getting my VPN fired back up so I can watch live

[@rittherugger160]

I love this. It's beautiful and it took caring time. Then the landscaper in me can't help but womder how in hell do you take care of the grass under it? Seeing it I'd like it to be 'eternal' but I have to wonder, did they take it down after a period of time?

[@MarkfromtheStates]

You'd water by hand I guess and cut with scissors... Lol

[@jennybertenshaw7694]

I would just add to this moving video by talking about the origin of the choice of the humble red poppy as the symbol of remembrance in Britain It comes from Belgium and the now infamous 'flanders fields' where they sprung up all over the battlefield, They apparently thrive in areas where there is a lot of 'iron' in the soil In the event soldiers blood supplied that.A gruesome reminder of what happened there.They still haven't cleared all the ammunition from those fields Belgian farmers were regularly injured or even died from digging up unexploded bombs or grenades. The carnage 'allowed' by our leaders was on a scale they 'said' would never happen again ....but of course...it did

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks Jenny

[@paulgdunsford7469]

The bit you paused on is called the ode it goes on a bit longer “least we forget”

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Thanks Paul...I do end early sometimes... Gotta remember to let it play out

[@johnhall7679]

My dad asked my Grandad what war was like, as an inquisitive child doe's. His answer was 600 went over the top 30 came back, never asked again and it at the minute with Ukraine puts things in perspective. The poppies were sold off online and raised millions for the fund. It has spawned many such exhibits to the same end.

[@robharris8844U]

Two of my great uncles were killed at Ypres, one outright, and the other was wounded and was evacuated to a building being used as a hospital and at some point, it received a direct hit from German shells and he was killed. Both of their names are on the Menin gate.This 100th year commemorative ceramic poppy display was so moving, the ' flow' of poppies out from the castle turret into the 'river' just beautiful and poignant. It is a shame it could not happen every year, but it marked a hundred years of "Lest we forget."

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Oh wow awful. Thank you for sharing Rob.

[@robharris8844U]

@@MarkfromtheStates You are welcome Mark, thank you for your respect.The poppy is a emblem for charity, remembrance and humility, Britain and her Commonwealth such Canada use it also, I am surprised the US did not adopt it too.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Actually there was at a time here in the US to wear it for Memorial Day some still do

[@Kestrel1971]

FYI, the people at 3:44 whose outfits you commented on are Pearlies. They have an interesting history going back to Victorian times and are now a charitable organisation.

[@MarkfromtheStates]

Ahhh thanks Ian