MemorialDayByWylene

In World War I, in the Flanders region of Belgium, Canadians held the line against Hitler's army for more than two weeks. Lieutenant John McCrae was a poet, physician and a gunner and medical officer in the Canadian Army. The battle waged was awful and a close friend of McCrae's was killed, along with countless others. After performing the burial himself, McCrae noticed how quickly the poppies grew around the graves. Sitting in the back of an ambulance, he composed the poem IN FLANDERS FIELDS. Inspired by this poem, an American professor, Moina Michael, resolved at the war's conclusion in 1918 to wear a red poppy year-round to honor the soldiers who died in the war. Additionally, she wrote a poem in response called "WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH" She distributed red, silk poppies to her peers and campaigned to have it adopted as an official symbol of remembrance by the American Legion. Numerous times, I was handed a small, paper poppy around Memorial Day with know understanding of the meaning behind it. The designs in this store pay homage to that history and tribute to the countless men and women that serve and have served this country and, most especially, to those that gave their last full measure, gave their lives in defense of this country and the liberties and freedoms we enjoy.