Why Poppies on Veteran’s Day?
Why Veterans Hand Out Poppies on Veterans Day
If you've ever been out on Veterans Day and seen veterans and volunteers handing out small red poppies, you might have wondered about the story behind this little flower. The red poppy isn’t just a pretty symbol; it’s a powerful reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and hope. This tradition goes back more than a century and has a rich history intertwined with honoring the men and women who served.
The Poppy’s Origins: World War I and Flanders Fields
The poppy tradition began during World War I, specifically on the battlefields of Europe. In the spring of 1915, after a brutal battle, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, noticed resilient red poppies growing amid the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders, Belgium. Inspired by this sight, he wrote the now-famous poem *In Flanders Fields*, capturing the image of the poppies as a powerful metaphor for the bloodshed and sacrifice of war. The poem soon traveled far and wide, touching the hearts of people worldwide.
In *In Flanders Fields*, McCrae’s lines, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row,” captured the grief and loss of that war in a way that spoke to the common soldier, their families, and all who sought to remember them. Tenaciously sprouting from the devastation, these red poppies became a symbol of remembrance.
The Poppy Comes to the U.S.
The idea of wearing a poppy to remember fallen soldiers was championed by Moina Michael, an American teacher and humanitarian who had read McCrae’s poem. She began wearing a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and encouraged others to do the same. Soon, the movement spread, and the American Legion adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in 1920, a tradition that has endured for over a hundred years.
What the Poppy Means Today
When veterans pass out poppies on Veterans Day, it’s more than just a token. The flower reminds us to pause and think about the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women, some of whom never returned home. It also serves as a way to educate and connect. Young people, who might only know about war from history books, often ask why veterans wear or give away these poppies. Through this simple tradition, the legacy of past wars and the cost of freedom are kept alive.
Supporting Veterans and Their Families
The poppies given out on Veterans Day aren’t just symbols; they’re also part of a larger mission. Donations collected by veterans distributing these flowers go directly toward supporting veterans in need. Funds raised are often used for essential programs, including medical care, housing assistance, and other services that help veterans and their families. So, when you take a poppy and make a donation, you’re not only honoring the memory of those who served, but you’re also helping veterans in your community today.
How You Can Help
As you go about your day this Veterans Day, take a moment to find one of those little red flowers. Wear it proudly, share its story, and think of all those who have served, sacrificed, and continued on. And if you feel inspired, consider supporting your local veterans' organization. Here at VFW Post 4080, we’re dedicated to helping veterans and their families, and each small act of support makes a difference.
This Veterans Day, wear a poppy not just because it’s a tradition but because it stands for something real. It’s a reminder of the cost of freedom and the power of remembrance. In honoring this simple symbol, we honor all who have served.