Let’s take a moment to remember those close to us who have given their lives serving our country. Let’s extend that globally to all of the men and women who were brave warriors for their own countries, and take a moment to feel that gratitude for them.
At the end of WWI, Miss Moina Michaels found a beautiful poem by Colonel John McCrae called “In Flanders Fields.” It talks about how the turned-over dirt made way for poppies to grow.
Here is a copy of that poem:
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.
Miss Michaels went around to all of the flower shops in New York, buying up all of the poppies to hand out to people as a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day. Today, American Legion veterans make these by hand as a fundraiser to help veterans returning from war. Each of the petals represents four ideals:
- Dedication
- Sacrifice
- Responsibility
- Compassion
I also want to take a moment to remind you of my friends, Nancy De Santis and Rick Iannucci and their organization, Horses for Heroes, supporting veterans who have experienced trauma, including post-traumatic stress. This organization helps veterans and their entire families at their ranch south of Santa Fe.
Let’s join together and honor those who sacrificed for us on Memorial Day.
Warmly,
Diane
