With the creation of this new Hymn, the Bleuet de France, a hundred-year-old symbol, gets new life and power. The hymn uses a simple and deeply symbolic gesture, and it is meant to become a republican tradition. The work brings people together, inspires unity, and renews support for “those who remain.”
An anthem for those left behind
For over a century, the Bleuet de France (the French equivalent of the Remembrance Poppy) has symbolised national memory and solidarity with wounded veterans, victims of terrorism, and their families. Yet, despite its noble cause, the emblem remained misunderstood and largely invisible to the wider public.
To mark its 100th anniversary, an ambitious challenge was set: to give the Bleuet a powerful sonic identity capable of boosting awareness, rallying the nation, and inspiring greater support through donations, for the sake of ‘’those who remain’’.
Composed by Michaël Boumendil, The Breath of the Cornflower is a striking and emotional sound creation that turns the human breath into a musical instrument and a profound symbol. Breath is life.
The composition narrates a journey from chaos to renewal. Set in a distinctly French triple meter, the piece becomes a call to action. By joining in the breath, citizens become active participants in remembrance and solidarity.
Inspired by the resilient cornflower that bloomed in the devastated fields and trenches of WWI, the anthem becomes a symbol of life returning, of memory, and of collective healing. Like the flower, the music emerges softly but defiantly, a tribute to strength and renewal.
Designed to become a new republican ritual, The Breath of the Cornflower made its debut on Bastille Day (July 14th) and had an immediate impact: donations to the Bleuet soared, and the symbolic breath gesture, choreographed for the occasion, went viral on social media and was widely covered in the press.
The anthem is now becoming part of France’s national heritage. It will be performed at official commemorations, in schools, and on sports fields.
Supported by veteran organisations and the French government (from the Ministry of Veterans to the Élysée), the project brought together the Musique des sapeurs-pompiers de Paris (conducted by Julien Voisin) and the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine (led by Colonel Sébastien Billard).
All proceeds are donated to the Bleuet de France fund.
“This anthem is a collective breath. A rare invitation to keep memory and solidarity alive, together.”