I came out of the grocery store yesterday and there was a man giving out poppies for a small donation. I got thinking about what those poppies mean, then I started to tear up. I have always loved the story about the poppies growing where the solders died. I thought I’d share the story (for posterity’s sake). It was during World War I soldiers were fighting in Belgium. Many died and were buried in the fields around where the fighting had taken place. The poppies sprung up because the soil had been disturbed. They bloomed all around the soldiers graves. John McCrae had lost a dear friend in a battle near Flanders, and he felt prompted to write this lovely poem.

************************************

In Flanders fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

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.

**************************************

Two ladies decided that the poppy would be a great way to remember those who died, and earn money to help those affected by war. The poppy can be seen at Memorial Day  and Veterans Day to remind us of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for others. I always feel so sad when I think of the soldiers who have died in all the wars. One article I read about the battle at Flanders, was that a 15 year old boy was the youngest soldier killed. How sad.

In this life, wars happen because of evil men. But there are those who are willing to fight to protect innocent people. I am grateful to those who have fought to make life better for me. I will think of them and the sacrifice they have made often.

Happy Memorial Day on Monday!