Memorial Day is a National holiday set aside to remember (memorialize) those who gave their lives through service to our country.
Poppies are often sold at this time to support veterans' programs. (Poppies are also sold on or near Veteran's day in November, which is a National holiday to thank and celebrate veterans currently serving and those living veterans who have served in the past.) The poppy was inspired by the war poem written by Lieutenant- Colonel John McCrae,
In Flanders Fields -
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.
Remember those who have given their lives.
Love Lots; Smile Often
MommaHattie