Lest We Forget…
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.
— “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae
A WWI brigade surgeon penned these immortal words in May of 1915.
Dr. John McCrae had been overwhelmed by the sight of blooming red poppies amid a ravaged Belgian battlefield. Shortly after the poem’s publication, the red poppy became the official symbol for honoring fallen heroes here and abroad.
More Than Barbecues and Beaches
Memorial Day, as its name suggests, was initially established as a day of remembrance to honor the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, starting with the American Civil War.
Following the conclusion of World Wars I and II, this annual observance expanded to encompass all fallen military personnel, marking a significant moment in our history.
However, with the implementation of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, a growing number of Americans found themselves disconnected from the military. Memorial Day gradually shifted its focus away from soldiers, and today, it’s considered the unofficial start of the summer season, marked by backyard barbecues and leisurely days at the beach and pool.
Never Forget
This Memorial Day, let’s not forget our fallen heroes: the brave men and women who fought to defend our freedom and paid the ultimate price. Set aside time to honor these heroes. Here are a few simple suggestions:
- Attend a Memorial Day parade.
- Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon and then at full-staff for the rest of the day.
- Wear a red poppy or display a few of them in your home.
- Wherever you are at 3:00 pm., pause for a moment of silence (the National Moment of Remembrance).
- Be thankful for our fallen soldiers, and keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Sources:
Featured Image: Adobe, License Granted
Poetry Foundation
PBS
U.S. Congress