Rememberence Day

[wingsfree]

We all need to take some time and really think about what all those who served and gave up so we can enjoy our precious freedom today...and also for those Peace Makers amoung us today. Never forget.

Why are Red Poppies Given out on Veterans Day?

History of the Flanders Poppies
(Red Corn Poppy)

For many years I have found myself asking what the significance of the red poppies were in relation to Veterans Day. This year that question was asked of me and I had no answer. I did vow, however, to find the story behind the symbol. What interesting information I found.



It has been noted throughout history that after a major war red poppies seemed to pop up in the battlefields and on soldiers graves. It seems that poppy seeds lay dormant in the soil and when the soil is heavily turned or dug up it causes them to sprout. The most detailed of this event took place in WWI in Flanders Field, Belgium. In the craters where bombs fell and on the mounds of rubble, poppies bloomed everywhere. The heavily churned earth and the high concentration of lime from the limestone buildings made the perfect catalyst for the poppies to grow.

Around 1920 an American, Moina Michael, was the 1st recorded incidence of a person wearing a poppy in remembrance of lives lost in WWI. Madame E. Guerin on a visit from France heard of the idea and upon returning home began to make homemade poppies and sold them to help support the children of war. This idea quickly spread around the world. The poppies are sold in many countries with proceeds benefiting many different veteran organizations.

So the next time you see someone with poppies for a donation......dig down deep and give with pride. Know you are saying thanks and helping a worthy cause.......by supporting our vets and vets around the world.

In Flanders Fields

by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

[kitkatii]

Thanks for the knowledge on where the Red Poppies come from.
Thanks to the men and women who have and are serving our country.
God Bless them all!

[wingsfree]

Lest We Forget

[ccgirl]

My girl scout troop and I just got back from our town observance. I would never miss it.

[hope213]

thanks for the info & i send up prayers for our service men.