Poppies and Daffodils : our story
A word from the founder : why this association?
I come from a region of France where the word “war” carries a profound meaning.
Lorraine has been deeply marked by the three major wars that ravaged our country.
Each conflict left behind destruction, human loss, and names etched into our collective memory: Verdun, Gravelotte, Metz…
Like so many others, my family bears the scars of these tragedies.
My great-grandfather Eugène, Chief Warrant Officer in the 107th Heavy Infantry Regiment, died during the First World War. His home village, Regniéville-en-Haye, was so heavily bombed that it was never rebuilt. He left behind a two-year-old son, Paul…
In 1939, it was Paul’s turn — my grandfather — to be mobilised. Taken prisoner, he was sent to Germany to work for six years. When he returned, his own son — who had never seen him — called him “Sir”.
Although I did not live through these events, I cannot ignore the clear parallel with the war in Ukraine today.
The bombings, destroyed villages, separated families, trenches, wounded or fallen soldiers — Europe has already known all this. And yet, it is happening again.
I have also had the opportunity to meet soldiers and veterans wounded in recent conflicts.
Their stories deeply moved me — especially their struggles with invisible wounds.
These encounters convinced me that remembering past battles and supporting today’s survivors are inseparable.
That’s why I founded Poppies and Daffodils:
To ensure that memory is not only a duty, but a tool for rebuilding.
To honour those who fought for our freedom.
And to support those who, still today, resist and rebuild.
Dominique Carricart
President and Founder of Poppies and Daffodils
Memory, Transmission and Resilience in the Face of Conflict
Poppies and Daffodils is a non-profit association committed to preserving the memory of the conflicts that have shaped France and Europe, promoting peace education, and supporting those directly or indirectly affected by war — whether soldiers, civilians, or displaced individuals.
Our goal is to connect the history of past wars to today’s global challenges, especially the war in Ukraine, the invisible wounds of veterans, and the urgent need to build a living memory rooted in action.
The meaning behind the name : Poppies, Cornflowers and Daffodils
The name Poppies and Daffodils refers to powerful symbols of remembrance:
The poppy is the symbol of remembrance in Commonwealth countries, worn every 11th of November in tribute to soldiers who died on the front lines.
The cornflower (bleuet), its French counterpart, embodies the national memory of World War I veterans, as well as all victims of war.
The daffodil represents resilience — that of survivors, displaced families, veterans scarred by trauma, and societies rebuilding after conflict.
By bringing together these three flowers, we embrace a transnational vision of remembrance: shared memories, shared responsibilities, and a shared future.
Our Core Areas of Action
1. Preserving and Passing on Memory
Educational visits to memorial sites across France and Europe
Talks, exhibitions, and accessible historical content for the general public
Creation of age-appropriate learning materials for schools, vocational centres and youth audiences
2. Supporting Those Affected by War
Accompanying veterans suffering from PTSD and invisible injuries
Partnerships with animal-assisted therapy organisations and mental health services
Highlighting intergenerational testimonies between former soldiers and younger generations
Raising awareness of the human impact of contemporary conflicts, including the war in Ukraine
3. Educating for Peace and European Citizenship
Erasmus+ projects focusing on memory, resilience and educational exchange
Intergenerational and cross-border workshops
Development of multilingual and participatory educational tools