Lest we Forget
“In Flanders field the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row….” -John McCrae
“In Flanders Field” is a short, simple yet incredibly powerful and touching piece of literature. The image of a poppy has since become a universal symbol of Remembrance Day and a reminder to everyone to recognize the true bravery and dedication of everyone who has served their country.
Although Remembrance Day is not a good or a service, it is still marketed as an idea, or intellectual concept. Remembrance Day is about remembering all those who have fought for their country during the wars, and groups such as the Red Cross raise awareness for this thought by collecting donations and in exchange giving out poppies.
The simple, image of a red poppy on the jacket of different individuals walking through the streets doing their daily business unites people and truly raises awareness of the importance of Remembrance Day. From an early age, young children are targeted with this concept as they are asked to bring in donations to school in exchange for a red poppy, and increasing filled with information and facts revolving around this holiday.
Although Remembrance Day is not a physical good or a service provided to people, it nevertheless is promoted using the same marketing strategies a marketer would use on a good or service. The positioning strategy in particular has been highly effective by providing a clear, distinctive understanding of the importance of Remembrance Day, and the well known symbol of a poppy used as a positioning tool is so powerful that everyone knows what it represents. This is why on the 11th month, on the 11th day, and at the 11th hour, we wear a poppy. Lest we forget.
“… If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow, in Flanders fields.”