On a spring day in 1915, amid the battle-scarred fields of Flanders, Belgium, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was struck by the sight of poppies blooming over the fresh graves of his fallen comrades. It moved him so deeply that he penned “In Flanders Fields,” one of history’s most famous wartime poems that continues to resonate around the world over 100 years later. 

Where the Poppies Blow  follows John on his remarkable journey, from humble beginnings in small-town Ontario to some of the toughest battle zones of the First World War. Although he never made it back home, John McCrae’s poem and the red poppy became an enduring symbol of remembrance, honouring the countless soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflict. Read now!

In these videos, experts Asa Mckercher and Cheryl Desroches explore the life of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the Canadian soldier, physician, and poet who penned one of the most iconic war poems in history, “In Flanders Fields.” They examine how the imagery of poppies in John McCrae’s poem transformed into an enduring symbol of remembrance—honouring those who sacrificed their lives, and how letters were once the lifeline connecting soldiers, families, and nations during one of history’s most turbulent periods—the Great War.

World War I not only reshaped the global political landscape but also deepened our knowledge of the human mind under extreme stress. These videos explore the phenomenon of “shell shock,” a term coined during the Great War that laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cheryl Desroches and Asa Mckercher also delve into the remarkable contributions of various animals to the war effort. From the frontlines to the home front, join us in exploring how the animal kingdom made significant contributions to one of history’s most devastating conflicts. 

This novel comes with curriculum-connected lesson plans, paving the way for classroom implementation. The content is bilingual in English and French and recommended for students in Grades 6-12.