I always found the extraordinary loss of life in the First World War very moving. I remember learning about it as a very young child, as an eight- or nine-year-old, asking my teachers what poppies were for. Every year the teachers would suddenly wear these red paper flowers in their lapels, and I would say 'What does that mean?'

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on their early realization of the devastating loss of life during World War I. As a young child, they were curious about the significance of poppies worn by their teachers. The visual reminder of the red paper flowers prompted the speaker to inquire about their meaning, demonstrating their growing empathy towards the war's tragic toll. This quote highlights the lasting impact of the war on individuals and how it inspired the speaker's early engagement with history and remembrance.

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