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 rowThat mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
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.
