Thought For The Day – Tuesday 20^th October 2026

With the very kind permission, and support, of  “The Royal British Legion”,  of Bishop’s Stortford,  “The Poppy Appeal” for 2026  commences today at The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

At school break times, from this morning, until the 11^th of November, Poppies will be available in aid of “The Royal British Legion”.

We have a card reader, very kindly loaned by our local “R.B.L.”,  metal pins, and important symbols of Remembrance.   The metal pins are priced at £2.

We encourage you to choose to wear a Poppy, and donate, to remember others who sacrificed, and sacrifice,  for such a choice.

All monies raised ensure all those who care, and have cared, are themselves cared for.

We look after, and respect, others.

As they have looked after, and respected, us.

The beautiful Poppy grew on, and in, Flanders Fields, Belgium, Northern France, before, during and after, the First World War.

The Poppy, a beautiful and resilient symbol of hope, grew out of despair beyond words.

Shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, in Belgium,  in the First World War, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, from Canada, who was also a doctor, was very moved by the sight of these beautiful Poppies.

This profound experience led him to write the iconic poem “In Flanders Fields”, pictured above.

This poem would greatly inspire “The Poppy Appeal”.

Today, the Poppy is a beautiful, and inclusive,  symbol of sacrifice, service, kindness, hope, and peace.

By choosing to wear a Poppy, we remember all who sacrifice(d), serve(d), and suffer(ed).

These courageous and wonderful people beyond words who ran, and run, towards danger to keep others safe.

This also includes the emergency, intelligence, and security services, as well as those involved in conflict and war.

We will always remember and respect.

At The Bishop’s Stortford High School also, The Poppies grow.