![]() In 1921, the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League of Australia imported one million silk poppies, made in French orphanages, to fundraise on Armistice Day. “I hope all those who see the spectacular sight of the illuminated sails will take the time to pause and remember the contribution of all servicemen and women,” Mr Graham said. The NSW Government continues to support the project each year. In 2015, Mr Graham successfully lobbied Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, the Sydney Opera House Trust, and the then Premier of NSW, Mike Baird, to project poppies onto the Opera House sails on 11 November to mark the day guns fell silent on the Western Front signalling the end of World War I. ![]() Appalled, he decided to take action to educate Australians about Remembrance Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, and why we pause on 11 November at 11am to remember those that have served, and are still serving, for their country. While selling poppies to fundraise for the partner charity of RSL NSW, RSL DefenceCare, Mr Graham was asked numerous times what the flowers symbolised. The image of the iconic Sydney Opera House illuminated with poppies in Flanders’ Field is now world-famous thanks to Mascot RSL sub-Branch member, Paul Graham. As the sun sets on 11 November 2021 Paul Graham, a veteran of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who fought in Malaysia and the Suez Canal conflict, will stand in Circular Quay for the fifth time in as many years to watch red poppies bloom over Sydney Harbour.
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