Friday, May 22, 2009

The Reason For The Red Poppy...


Here's a little more of history straight from the pages of the Farmer's Almanac.


Since World War I, poppies have been a symbol of remembrance at Memorial Day. The red poppy was used to symbolize the blood of those who died in service to their countries.

The idea started in 1918 when American Moina Michael read the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian John McCrae in 1915 during World War I. She began wearing poppies in memoriam and sold them to others, using the proceeds to help veterans.

After World War I, veterans sold artificial red poppies to help raise money for French and Belgian war orphans. Today, donations to veterans’ groups are often marked with a token paper red poppy.

Tip: To prolong a poppy’s life as a cut flower, plunge the stem in hot water after cutting.

If you have a family member that was a veteran and is buried nearby, why not take this opportunity Monday, May 25, to visit their graveside and leave some flowers or a small flag or just a short prayer of thanks. The important thing is to remember everyone that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy. It's a small symbol, but it's an important one.

We must always remember that "Freedom is not free!"

Now, my friend, let's get some coffee and sit on the patio...we can toast to all the Veterans, OK?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reminder, HJ,
My Dad is buried in the Veterans Cemetery there in Houston. Some friends are there too, and elsewhere.
I ALWAYS get some poppies.
YeOldFurt

JoJo said...

Good Morning Mr Hermit,
Very good post. And very informative as always. I heard someone mention a holiday for monday but I wasn't paying much attention as things are around here. I will see if Dad has a flag or I will pick one up if I can get away somehow.
Now for some coffee please.
JoJo

Mo said...

Thank you VETS!!! Thank you seems so token compared to what you are owed. Your efforts and sacrifice is beyond measurement or repayment. We are blessed to have such individuals among us. Thank you again!

HermitJim said...

Hey YOF...
I am planning to visit my Dad's grave Monday. Haven't been there for a while...shame on me!

As long as we take the time to visit, that's the important thing. Just to remember!

Hey, thanks for coming by today!


Hey JoJo...
Good to see you this beautiful morning! But then, it's always good to see you!

Your Dad might like to have a small flag there in his room to brighten things up. You might ask him...

Hey, Girl...thanks for coming by the patio this morning...!


Hey Mo...
Always good to see you! Iknow that all the Vets appreciate any and all the good feelings sent to them, although they didn't do what they did for the thanks or recognition.

Bless yo for taking the time to come by and for the wonderful thoughts going out to all Vets!

JoJo said...

Just realized World War 1 started the year before my Dad was born.
Uh just a thought here. Yes he might like that. My daughter said she would stop by today so I can get out for a while. I will pick up a small flag for him.
thanks for the thought.
JoJo

HermitJim said...

Hey JoJo...
The selling of Red Poppies is a tradition still quite active today. Many organizations still sell the paper ones as a means of supporting their activities...

Thanks, sweetie, for coming by and spending a little time here this morning!

Carol Ayers said...

Great post, Jim! Thanks for the reminder. Now, how bout a warmup again? Awh..yeh..that's good coffee as always!

HermitJim said...

Hey Carol...
Always good to see you! Yep...when it comes to coffee, I think I do alright in the making department!

Of course, I don't do too shabby in the drinking department, either!

Thanks for coming by today, Carol!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim;
God Bless all our Vets!!

Thanks for the tip about using the other browser. Works great. Now you come up. Would have hate to have lost ya. Us old farts have to stick together.

See ya

HermitJim said...

Hey Tony...
I don't kinow why IE is ac ting up, but it doesan't surprise me anymore!

Firefox is more secure anyway!

Gotcha on sticking together, Buddy!

Mayberry said...

Amen Hermit....

HermitJim said...

Hey Mayberry...thanks for the visit, my friend!

Noki said...

Just about all the veterans I know are still alive, but thanks for the reminder.

Hugs,
Ashley