Poppies & Memories

World War 1 poster

 Many traditions seem to be waning in recent years.  I remember, as a child, the importance of Memorial Day--dressing in our 'Sunday Best,' not to attend church but rather to go to the cemetery to place flowers on family graves.  In high school I marched in the band on Memorial Day.    The cemetery was crowded with people, and most graves were decorated with flowers.  My great-grandfather was a Civil War veteran, so his grave was marked with a flag.

I remember the poppies, but I am not certain that I understood their meaning.  Perhaps all of us need an occasional reminder.

Poppy seeds can lie dormant for up to 100 years, bursting from the ground when the soil they had slept in is disturbed and sunlight awakens the seeds to burst into bloom.  During W.W. I the bombing and digging of trenches, as well as mass graves, created the conditions to cause millions of poppies to burst into bloom.  

 A Canadian physician, Lt. Colonel John McCrae, was struck by the juxtaposition of the darkness of war and the beauty of the bright red poppies, the contrast inspiring him to compose the poem "In Flanders Fields," writing "In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row..."

American Moina Michael was in Germany when the first World War broke out, and later McCrae's poem inspired her, particularly after teaching a class of disabled servicemen at the University of Georgia following the war.  Her desire to support men like her students, in need of financial and occupational support, led to the idea of selling silk poppies to raise money. 

Another woman, in France, Anna Cuerin, had a similar idea, using poppies to raise money for widows, orphans and veterans, as well as helping to fund post war restoration efforts.

As Memorial Day draws near, it is important to remember the sacrifices other have made for us through their service, even giving their lives for their country.  

There are many ways to show respect to those who served the country, whether simply reflecting on their sacrifice, thanking those who served, or contributing to programs that assist veterans.  Another way to show respect is to take time to learn about our nation's history--the unique Constitution and those who have protected it in many ways--in court rooms, classrooms, books, movies, and other ways.

Lt. Colonel McCrae showed his respect in a poem.  Moina Micheal and Anna Cuerin used poppies to help us remember and to raise money to help as well.

This year, on Memorial Day, consider pausing to recall the words from "In Flanders Field."  

"We are the Dead.  Short days ago   We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,   Loved, and were loved, and now we lie   In Flander fields."