The Flanders Fields Red Poppy was first created as a symbol of Remembrance by an American teacher, Miss Moina Belle Michael.
Moina described the way that the idea for a memorial emblem of the red poppy came to her in a moment of revelation. Moina's fascinating autobiography, The Miracle Flower, The Story of the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy was published in 1941. Moina dedicates the book to the late Colonel John McCrae, whose poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ was the inspiration for her idea of the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy.
As a result of Moina Michael's tireless campaigning, her complete dedication to the cause and the inspiration her idea gave to others, the delicate flower of the red field poppy has become an internationally-recognized symbol of Remembrance and welfare for war veterans.
(1) I haven't seen poppies for sale in the United States since I was a child.
(2) The ones you see in the photo to the left? Denis and I bought them in England, where their Remembrance Day celebrations are something very special.
So often Veterans' benefits in this country-- to be blunt-- stink. Why can't we sell poppies again and make sure all the profits go to disabled veterans? Are we so materialistic and selfish that we can't afford the change from our pockets and purses? Have we as a nation really forgotten that freedom isn't free?
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
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.
Wonderful meaningful post Cathy.
ReplyDeleteI still see poppies for sale outside the supermarket where I shop, but the men selling them are getting older each year, and I fear that one day it will be a thing of the past.
I had failed to notice it but I haven't seen poppies for sale in several years either. My part of PA is however very patriotic and there are many observances and memorials for veterans here - particularly since several young men from two neighboring towns died in Iraq.
ReplyDeleteIn the small towns I lived in, the VFW did sell poppies each year, just like the firemen did firemen's boots for Jerry Lewis's telethon.
ReplyDeleteYour mention of poppies made me think of one particular person. He always sat in the lobby of the local grocery store and sold poppies and other things (tickets, etc.) for VFW fundraisers. He just died within the last year.
I remember seeing poppies being sold when I was really young, but admit I haven't seen it in years and didn't even remember about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you..let's get back to selling poppies and giving the money to the vets, they need it more than I do.
Sign me up for selling poppies -- this poem always brings tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteTBG-- It certainly sounds like it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara-- Phoenix's Veterans Day parade was well attended this year.
Joe-- I think of one particular person, too, but he died back in the early 70s.
Kris-- Wouldn't be so hard if some company would get on the bandwagon. You'd think one of them would like good PR!
CBC-- Me, too.