Tower of London’s World War I Tribute

The Tower of London Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red exhibit for world war I loss of life tribute

A little rain in London

One hundred years ago Europe engaged in warfare. The Great War, eventually called World War I (because of the next war) caused a significant loss of life across the world. A loss the Tower of London’s Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red art display makes us to reflect upon.

Tower of London

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

The Ceramic Poppies surround the Tower

When asked must see and dos in London for a tourist, the Tower of London will make every list. I walked inside its castle walls and learned of its bloody history on my very first visit to London. On my recent trip I returned after a stroll along the south bank of the Thames River not to step inside, but to view its walls again and see the art display remembering the British loss of life in the first world war.  I wanted to see the 888,246 red ceramic poppies on display. Each flower represented a British fatality during the war (1914-1918).

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red

Today’s Armistice Day, November 11th, marks the final day to view the art display at the Tower of London.  If you didn’t get a chance take a look.

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UKThe Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

Additionally, all of the ceramic poppies were offered to the public (purchase for £25.00 +p&p) and it sold out. The proceeds will be equally split among six charities. For more information about the poppies here.

The Blood Swept Land and Seas of Red Ceramic Poppies Tower of London Art Tribute to Fallen of World War I in London, UK

November 11th – Veterans Day in the US

An armistice ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November 11th, 1918). Marked as the end of the Great War, the first Armistice Day holiday in the US (and globally) was observed in 1919. Eventually in the US through legislation after the second world war, the holiday changed into the federal holiday Veterans Day that we know today. It became a holiday to honor the veterans of all wars in 1954.

To those who served, especially my Dad, thank you.

Stay Remembering, Craig

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  • Lazy Travelers

    beautiful! the romantic had a chance to see this in person, and im loving all of the pictures im coming across. a beautiful sentiment, too!

    buuut, did you happen to run into any royals there??

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Glad the romantic had a chance to visit… definitely an impressive display. but no royals this trip, I was quite busy…. Stay Royal, Craig

  • Francesca

    What a fascinating and moving tribute. The sea of red poppies is beautiful; can’t imagine how stunning it would be to see it in person.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      It was indeed fascinating and quite beautiful… the red was quite a contrast from the grey skiest too— the drizzle that day almost felt like tears.. stay Remembering, Craig

  • http://travelingted.com/ Traveling Ted

    I saw pictures of this on Instagram. How beautiful! I visited some of the World War I battlefields in France and Belgium. Very moving to walk on this hallowed ground. I can imagine seeing the blood red poppies elicited a similar emotion.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Yes, it was those early instagram photos that actually made me visit when I was in town…. so glad I did. StayInstagramming, Craig

  • http://www.gqtrippin.com GQ

    That is just stunning! And a beautiful tribute too.

  • TripsByLance

    I’m a week after Armistice/Veterans Day but better late than never. Very cool you got to experience this. I, like many others, saw pictures last week of this display. One of the great things to me is that this helps bring awareness to World War I, a bit of a forgotten war in the U.S.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Yes, the 100 years anniversary will raise awareness…. and the war is often over shadowed by WWII, but it is the origin of our VeteransDay, something that can help raise awareness…. a reason I included mention of it in the post… StayAware, Craig