Rose Peace

It was developed by french horticulturist Francis Meilland in the years 1935 to 1939. He named his new rose after his deceased mother Mme A Meilland. Foreseeing the invasion of France he sent cuttings to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and some other countries to protect his new rose.

The Rose eventually became known as Peace. In early 1945 Meilland wrote to Field Marshal Alan Brooke (later Viscount Alanbrooke) to thank him for his key part in the liberation of France and to ask Brooke if he would give his name to the rose. Brooke declined, saying although he was honoured to be asked, his name would soon be forgotten. He suggested a much better and enduring name would be ‘PEACE’.

Later in 1945 Peace roses were given to each of the delegations at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations, each with a note that read:

‘We hope that the ‘Peace’ rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting World Peace’

Sadly it has not but the name and the beauty of the Peace Rose will continue to remind us of the importance of remembrance.