From next week, the campaign Vlčí mák ČR 2025 will once again remind people across the Czech Republic of war veterans and resistance fighters. With the red symbol of the poppy, from 29 October to 11 November, it commemorates courage, self-sacrifice and the importance of peace.
With autumn comes a tradition that connects generations. Wearing a red poppy stands for respect towards all those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom – and at the same time for gratitude towards all war veterans.
This year’s campaign, Vlčí mák České republiky 2025 (Red Poppies Czech Republic), will once again take place with the support of the City of Prague from 29 October to 11 November. During this period, citizens can contribute to the Military Solidarity Fund by purchasing and wearing a red poppy. The fund supports soldiers and their families in difficult life situations.
Veterans’ Commemoration Day on 11 November
The highlight of the campaign falls on 11 November, the International Day of War Veterans. On this day in 1918, the weapons of the First World War fell silent – a moment of hope for countless soldiers and their families. Since then, many countries have commemorated not only those who fell, but also those who survived the war. The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance, as it grew on the graves of the fallen in Flanders, and through the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian doctor John McCrae, it became a universal symbol of courage, self-sacrifice and hope.
Last year, numerous volunteers across the Czech Republic took part in the campaign – thanks to widespread support, a record sum of 5,026,599 CZK was raised.
The fundraising campaign Vlčí mák České republiky is organised jointly by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and Caritas Czech Republic.
Veterans Day 2025 in Prague
As every year, a celebration for Veterans’ Day will take place on Prague’s náměstí Míru (Peace Square) on 11 November. The event runs from 9.30 am to 6 pm, with the morning traditionally dedicated to schools. Throughout the day, it is possible to visit the Grove of Crosses and commemorate fallen soldiers by laying a flower or placing a cross with a personal message.
