"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row........
The poem, written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae is a staple of Remembrance Day ceremonies. Born in Guelph, Ontario he was a soldier, doctor and poet. He died on January 28th, 1918.
The red poppies is one of the few plants able to grow in the region, as a result of the damage done by the battles on the fields in the Flanders region. Apparently the battles increased the lime content in the surface soil making it a very fertile for the fast growing poppy.
For years I attended, through school and as an adult, the Remembrance Day memorials. Purchased a poppy from the Legion and wore it proudly before and a few days after November 11th. And then didn't know what to do with the little poppy after that.
But I have had an awakening, an epiphany, an incredible eye-opener after visiting the cemetery in Belgium. So many headstones. Incredible damage to villages, cities, landscapes. Soldiers so young, dying for OUR freedom. An experience I will never forget.
The poppy, for me, will remain on my jacket all year round.
THANK YOU just doesn't seem to be enough.
Poppies everywhere......ceramic, paper, plastic, knitted, crocheted.
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