Tower of London: Red sea of poppies

Everyone has seen photos of the beautiful bed of blood-red ceramic poppies surrounding the Tower of London, however do you know why they are there? It is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. The art installation was created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins and is titled ” The Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red”. The location for this incredible installation is fitting not just because of its enormous space, but it is where many of the brave men were recruited and enlisted. It is made up of 888,246 individual poppies, each one represents a British solider that lost his life in World War I. Although created by Paul Cummins they were installed by a team of over 8,000 volunteers from across the UK.

The beginning of the planting started on August 5th and the last poppy will be planted on Armistice Day, which is November 11th, 2014. These iconic poppies are for sale, with the profits from every purchase going to six different service charities which are Confederation of Service Charities COBSEO, Combat Stress, Coming Home, Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). It is expected to raise millions for these worthy causes! It costs £25 a flower and you can buy them at the official Tower of London Remembers website.