RED like timeworn blood, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
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After the First World War it was the first flower to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium.
Tamworth 12/16 Hunter River Lancers Officer Commanding Wayne Clarke explained the significance of the flower and the rosemary often worn on soldiers' lapels.
"Traditionally rosemary is worn for Anzac Day because it grows on the Gallipoli peninsula," he said.
"The smell is quite strong and a lot of soldiers after the war would smell it and immediately go back.
"Historically rosemary is believed to have properties that improve memory and it became an emblem of fidelity and remembrance on Anzac Day."
The red poppy is believed to have been fed with the blood of the soldiers killed in battle.
"Everyone around here was affected by war, when it started there was a great rush for people to recruit," he said.
"The losses were felt right across Australia because so many were killed."
Traditionally, soldiers wear poppies or rosemary alongside their medals on the left.
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People who wear the medals of family members in remembrance should always wear them on the right.
"We wear it on the left because it's over your heart," Mr Clarke said.
"The significance of Anzac Day is the Australian Army representing the nation.
"It was a massive defeat and it was our baptism of fire on the world stage but the performance of the soldiers themselves was amazing."
Anzac Day will be commemorated on April 25, with a number of services to be held in the region.