Royals wear WW100 pin in Blenheim

Many New Zealanders and viewers around the world will have seen the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and other people at today’s royal visit to Blenheim, wearing a small red poppy pin on their lapels.
The pins were gifted to members of the official party and veterans by the New Zealand government’s WW100 Programme Office, which is responsible for planning and coordinating New Zealand’s response to the First World War centenary. They display the symbol of the First World War centenary programme in New Zealand.
The commemorative pins are currently available to selected representatives of organisations actively working on activities and projects that meet the aims of New Zealand’s First World War centenary programme, WW100. They will be available for the general public to wear closer to the official start of the First World War centenary in August 2014.

The First World War centenary programme, WW100, aims to foster appreciation and remembrance of how the First World War affected our nation and its place in the world, both at the time and since. While the centenary officially starts in August, activities are already beginning to take place in communities throughout the country.
The WW100 symbol – depicted on the pin – is derived from the Flanders poppy, which is a sign of war remembrance the world over. The simplicity of the design allows multiple interpretations. A silver fern gives it a distinct New Zealand identity.
The WW100 Programme Office is very proud that the Duke and Duchess chose to honour New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War during their first royal tour of New Zealand. Lest we forget.