Summary

Alternative Name(s): Pin, Button

Metal badge, purple with gold writing, probably made during World War I.

The sale of the badge, or one similar, is mentioned in the Eyre's Peninsula Tribune (23 July 1915). Two letters to editors claim that the badge was sold for private profit: Labor Call (24 June 1915) and Brunswick and Coburg Leader (30 July 1915). The latter correspondant writes: 'It is a purple button with a crown, in the centre a wreath, and the words "Lest we forget Australian heroes." This button, I understand, has not been issued by the Commonwealth Button Fund. This button is sold for private profit. It is sold to the trade for 2s per dozen, and sold to tthe public for 3d each. It is high time someone had this thing suppressed.'

The phrase 'Lest We Forget' comes from the poem 'Recessional' by Rudyard Kipling in 1897 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The poem was later set to music (using the tune 'Melita') and was used to commemorate the dead from the South African wars. Subsequently the phrase became synonymous with Remembrance Day commemorations following World War I and is often recited following the recitation of the 'Ode of Remembrance.' The 'Ode of Remembrance' is the fourth stanza of the poem 'For The Fallen' by Laurence Binyon. In Australia the ode is recited at dawn on Anzac Day.

Physical Description

Round metal badge with mauve/purple background and gold coloured words printed around the outer edge of badge. In the centre is a gold coloured image of wreath and a crown.

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