A red poppy holds a plethora of symbolism cradled in its petals and with Remembrance Day around the corner, wearing or – for the first time – downloading the flower pays tribute to the 102,000 Australian men and women who sacrificed their lives serving our country since World War I.

For Warwick RSL Sub Branch secretary Barry Kelly, this year will be especially pertinent as the traditional flora has turned digital.

“It’s the first time the distinctive red poppy – a symbol for those who served and dies for their country – has been available via the web and mobile sites,” Mr Kelly said.

“The digital poppy was released earlier this week as part of the RSL’s 2009 Poppy Appeal.

“For every poppy purchased as a donation at www.rslpoppy.com, another is planted in an online Field of Remembrance.”

Each online poppy is $2 and all funds will be donated to the RSL to continue their vital veteran welfare work in Australia.

Mobile phone users with web function can access m.rslpoppy.com to download their poppy.