Prime Minister urges public to plant poppies for First World War commemorations
David Cameron launches Royal British Legion Centenary Campaign with school children at Number 10 garden
David Cameron planting poppies with school children in the gardens at Number 10
The Prime Minister and Culture Secretary Sajid Javid joined schoolchildren today in planting poppy seeds to encourage others to sow seeds and cover the UK in poppies to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
The Royal British Legion have launched an educational kit for schools containing a packet of Flanders poppy seeds. The schools pack has been made possible by a £100,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Prime Minister, David Cameron, said:
The First World War centenary programme is about recognition and remembrance, focusing particularly on young people and helping them make a connection with the events that changed the world a century ago. This Poppy initiative is a great idea that will help the next generation understand the significance of what happened during the First World War and commemorate the sacrifice of those who died.
Sajid Javid, Culture Secretary, said:
The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance and this is a wonderful example of how a local community initiative can help shape our national commemorations. I hope that young people in schools enjoy sowing the poppy seeds and watching them flourish and that it provides them with a vibrant connection between past and present generations.
May and June are ideal planting times to ensure the flowers bloom by August 4th, the date that war was declared 100 years ago. The public can buy the Royal British Legion poppy seeds at B&Q stores nationwide, with a £1 donation going to the work of the Legion.
Poppy planting at 10 Downing Street
Further information
- Listen to Thomas, a school pupil from London, talk about planting seeds at Number 10
- Plant a seed Vine
- Photos from poppy planting
- How to get involved in the First World War Centenary
- Royal British Legion FWW Centenary information
- Heritage Lottery - understanding the First World War
- Back in Britain blog