Paying memory: Poppies appear on sale across country to mark Veterans Day

With Veterans Day – a global commemoration that honors soldiers killed in World War I – less than one week away, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Czechia are holding fundraisers to help raise money for institutions that help preserve war veterans’ stories.

Post Bellum is one of the main NGOs behind the drive, hoping to raise millions of crowns via the sale of plastic, pinnable poppies (a symbol of World War 1) to the public before Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

In cooperation with the City of Prague, they are available in hundreds of places throughout the capital (and country), including cafes, shops, galleries, libraries, and information centers. People typically pin them on the front of their coats or jackets as a way of paying tribute.

From Nov. 7 to 11, volunteers on the streets of Prague and other major cities will be giving out the poppies. Taking them is free, but Post Bellum says that a donation is very welcome.

People can also buy poppies online, with Post Bellum saying: “We will turn your virtual poppy into a real one and plant it in a symbolic flower bed in Prague, Brno, Ostrava and other regional cities.” Last year, donations totaled around CZK 3 million – Post Bellum hopes to raise up to CZK 4 million this year.

Proceeds from the collection will also go towards Post Bellum’s Memory of Nations project, which is the largest publicly accessible database of witness stories from wartime Europe.

“By purchasing a poppy, you will be contributing to direct assistance to veterans and other freedom fighters through the National Remembrance Assistance Center. The proceeds of the collection also go to ensure that their stories are not forgotten," says the organization.

On Nov. 11, Post Bellum will also co-organize a Concert for Heroes will be held in St. Vitus Cathedral, featuring political and cultural figures alongside family members of war veterans.