Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button, Pin

One of 13 war-related fundraising badges attached to a blue velvet ribbon. Purchased and collected by the donor's great-granddaughter, Mrs LIllie Mary Holinger, in Melbourne (probably Canterbury).

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.

It is unclear whether the badge was sold to raise funds to support the troops during World War I or for commemorative purposes after the war.

Physical Description

Cream coloured metal badge with image of a flower and text.

More Information