By FPL_John
November 11th is Veterans Day. It’s a day we recognize the sacrifices made by veterans of our armed forces. You may see people wearing Poppy flowers. Many people wear them for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Poppies have become a symbol of support for veterans, and you will often see the phrase “lest we forget”.
If you are wondering “Why Poppies?”, the idea comes from a poem by John McCrae called “In Flanders Fields”. John was a Canadian medical officer, and he composed the poem after the death of a close friend in battle.
In Flanders Fields
BY John McCrae
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.
If you’d like to read more poetry by John McCrae you can check out a digital copy here:
In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, opens a new window
If you are interested in showing support in this way, the American Legion sells Poppy pins and cloth decorations to help raise funds for veteran services.
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