That Beautiful Poppy!

[Whiterook]

I'd like to take a moment on this Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, to share something with you, my friends around the world here at the Zone. Last night, my wife picked up our annual Poppy, as it is customary for local Veterans of the local American Legion Auxiliary to accept donations for their organization, in which they hand you a Poppy. We do this every year as a remembrance of my father, who served in the Canadian Army in Europe during World War II; and of her father, who served in the Pacific and Europe in World War II, as well as the Korean War and Vietnam.

I first became aware of the Poppy as a young lad, when my Dad explained its significance with Remembrance Day in Canada. The poppy emblem was chosen because of the poppies that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their bright red color a depiction of the bloodshed. We picked up our Poppy every year at Memorial Day. And my wife experienced a similar tradition. My wife and I have carried on this tradition into our lives together, made even more important to us since we have both lost our dads. When my dad passed a few years ago, the veterans honor guard attending his wake each pinned a poppy to the inner lining of his casket, while saying their respects…it was one of the most moving things I have ever seen in my life, and a memory that still brings tears to my eyes. They wouldn’t allow him to be buried with his medals, but those poppies are with him.

So, please take a moment with me, my friends, and offer up a moment of remembrance for all those that have served and have fallen, and take time to offer thanks to those that are still among us. Here’s to the Poppy, that oh so beautiful symbol of bravery:


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.

— John McCrae

[LAH 1 SS]

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM AMEN nice tradition whiterook

[Jim O]

Thank you Em, for remembering all those who served in all of the world's conflicts. None of us should ever forget their sacrifices.

[Geek44]

We have poppies on ANZAC day as well. I had a girlfriend yeaars ago who's mother was an avid gardener...we used to wear real ones instead of the plastic ones they sell. I have several around my modelling bench. I think it's important to remember while I'm constructing my small 'tributes'. Nice one Em.

[Whiterook]

Thanks all.

Nick, that's a beutiful idea mate...my poppies will be going down to my workarea! Excellent idea!

[Hagen]

Got mine! Wouldn't start Memorial Day weekend without one.

[Leatchy]

Spent ANZAC Day at Villers Bretonnuex this year. After Dawn Service we placed a poppies at the foot of the Australian Memorial. As I did it I looked up at the bullet and shrapnel marks from WW2 and thought to myself, "what the hell does it take to make humans think of a better way".

[Whiterook]

Wow, thanks for shareing that Leatchy. That's a goose bump moment!