Sunday, May 26, 2013

The Buddy Poppy....Celebrating Memorial Day


As far back as I can remember, I have known about the Buddy Poppy. Each year it is given away on Memorial Day week end, by a member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).

Yesterday, while doing my weekly grocery shopping, is when I saw him. A neighbor and veteran, a member of the VFW...standing outside the entrance of the store, giving away a "Buddy Poppy".

To tell you the truth, I didn't know the history of the poppy until I decided to write this post. If you would like to read more about it, please click HERE.

Below is the beautiful poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. of the Canadian forces. He was inspired by the poppies growing wild amid the ravaged landscape in the World War I battlefields of Belgium.


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.

May we remember those who have given so much.
Meggie Mac


5 comments:

  1. A moving story and poem. Although I knew the association of Poppies with our fallen heroes, I didn't know it was called the Buddy Poppy. I love the history that you share with us of your area, thank you, dear friend, XOXO

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  2. What a lovely tribute of remembrance.

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  3. I've known about the poppies for most of my life, but didn't know it was called Buddy Poppy. Thank you for sharing this and the beautiful poem.

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  4. It's nice to know where the buddy poppies came from,

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  5. This poem always makes me so sad. Too many people forget.

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