Why Remember?

This year marks a significant important year earlier in history, the year the First World War broke out. 100 years ago, a whole world was mobilised, battles were fought, sorrow was raging and dreams were shattered. About 72 million troops were mobilised to fight, and half of the troops were either killed, wounded or prisoned. 100 years has past since our ancesters shaped the modern society, but the memories of it are starting to fade. There are not many left to pass on the story to the new generations. The Tower of London is making an overwhelming statement to the British people, and they are sending out the important message - Why remember?

The Tower played an important role during the war,  as a mobilisation and recruitment place, and a prison and executement place. Now, the whole tower is covered in red ceramic poppys.

"Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" is the name of this major art installation, and it is created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins. 888,246 ceramic poppies will fill the Tower's moat throughout August, and each poppy represents a British military fatality during the war.
Everyone can buy a poppy, donate money for their lost ones or participate to volunteer in the history in making with this installation. With the hashtag #TowerPoppies, one can follow the following reactions to the statement made. The British people are impressed, and says that the sight is breathtaking, surreal and highly moving. Every sunset, 180 new names of British soldiers is read out loud, making every poppy really represent the fallen soldiers.

Remembering this is important to pass on history, cherish the loved ones lost in battle, and know something about what we Europeans are and where we come from. To me, I believe this art installation is incredibly beautiful, and an incredibly bright idea. It really sends out a message, making everyone involved and letting the younger ones in the society participate and learn about the history. We must always remember - and reminding us can begin with only one poppy made out of ceramic.

Live

 

a mobilisation and recruitment site for troops, and as a place of execution for spies - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/stories/firstworldwar#sthash.HqHYWNNa.dpuf

a mobilisation and recruitment site for troops, and as a place of execution for spies - See more at: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/stories/firstworldwar#sthash.HqHYWNNa.dpuf