In Flanders Fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row
Mark our place and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
—from “In Flanders Fields” by Major John McCrae, Ypres, 1915
Plans to fill a Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital courtyard with a field of red poppies as part of the hospital’s Anzac Day Memorial Service on April 25 are underway.
And, fittingly, the courtyard of the historic Nightingale Wing, named after Crimean War nursing heroine, Florence Nightingale, has been selected as the commemorative site.
Organiser, nurse manager executive support Ann Hodge, said: “COVID-19 has been tough for so many people, including healthcare workers, but also for our volunteers. They have been unable to give in their usual way these last two years so we want to re-engage volunteers to help commemorate Anzac Day with us”.
“This will be the 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. As Australia’s first hospital we want to remember the ANZACS of 1915, and all those who have followed in their footsteps, including serving medical professionals.
“On Anzac Day we come together in person and in spirit, to commemorate the men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.”
Ann said: “That’s why we are asking people to contribute red poppies for display in the hospital courtyard in front of the Nightingale Wing and then placed on the hospital Roll of Honour.
“Some staff had distinguished military careers in World War I and 149 staff served. The Honour Roll was placed in the main entrance foyer of the hospital in 1917 listing those members of the medical, nursing and general staff who volunteered for active service.”
– Caroline Wilkinson : Australia’s First Hospital
Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation is assisting with this very special project. “Whether you craft poppies from paper, crochet or knit, as Friends of Sydney Hospital volunteers are doing, we welcome your contribution,” said Linda Fagan, Chief Executive Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation.
Poppies contributed by April 20 will be included in the commemoration.
Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation
Sydney / Sydney Eye Hospital
8 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW
Ground Floor, Centre Block
Opposite Emergency Department and Security office
POST:
Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation
GPO Box 1614 SYDNEY 2011
Why we make poppies
During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants that sprouted on the battlefields of Belgium and northern France.
The poppy’s popularity stems from a poem written by a Canadian medic, Major John McCrae, in 1915. His poem, In Flanders Fields, recalls the red poppies on the war graves of soldiers who died on the Western Front in Europe.
Learn about the poem and the red poppy as a symbol of commemoration.
Please deliver to the foundation office by 20th April 2022: