It is that time of year again. When I pull out the earrings that I purchased in Australia and add the pin acquired in New Zealand on the same trip in 2013. In the UK it is easy to find poppies. It seems that someone is selling them on practically every street corner. When I lived in Camberley, there were displays as well on many store counters. It was a pound, proceeds going to various veterans’ causes.
If this is not ringing a bell with you, I will elaborate. Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the ending of the Great War, the War to end all Wars. The war that later became known as WWI for obvious reasons. For years Armistice Day was celebrated on 11 Nov – 11:11 to be precise in recognition of the wars end (leave it to politicians to want to time the signing of a treaty so that it would be memorable). The poem, “In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian military physician John McCrea, references those poppies which have become the symbol of those fallen in war. In most of the English speaking world – the 11th is recognized as Remembrance Day. In the US, as of 1956, the day was renamed Veteran’s Day with the intent of recognizing more than those killed in wars.
Consider this your heads up, giving you enough time to plan what you are going to do for that day. Not shopping, taking advantage of sales, enjoying the day off work, or simply sleeping in. Rather, that Monday (Nov. 11 falls on a Monday this year), think of those – it may be your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents – who served in and survived WWI. Family members who might have served in WWII or any of the conflicts after that. Some of us have served since then, in various militaries in different parts of the world.
Find and wear a poppy. You have enough time. That poppy serves as a reminder that freedom and choice are not cost free. That we all have a responsibility to vote, to express our opinions, to support those currently serving. And to never forget the past.
Yesterday I was at a meeting which is held in one our Returned Service’s League (RSL) and I looked up at the poppy wreath we made for them last year. They have it hanging on the wall along with two others. I wondered how many people would think about it next Monday. It’s a working day here but many places do stop for a moment. I always do and I want other people to do it too…as they say, those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
As a specifies we seem constitutionally unable to settle differences without violence.
Amen … I agree. Do you think the ship will have poppies onboard? Have’nt found any in Germany. Leave for Barcelona tomorrow.
It is very much a UK/Commonwealth/US thing. Depending on the cruise line -they will hold a moment of silence
Thank you so much for remembering Nov 11. No one sells poppies in the US anymore. I have the last one I bought in Europe in my office at work. My son in law is in Djoubiti in harm’s way. I think of my uncle Ralph, who died on July 4, 1919, the day he returned from the Great War. After being faded in France, and hospitalized for several months- he died on the day he made it home. My mother was 4 years old – and she never forgot…
It is easier for most to forget. The demographics of who serves has changed so much, so many have pay only lip service to veterans. The effects on families are lasting and worthy of honor.
As a child, we would sell poppies in the schools (as well as lifeboat badges for Lifeboat Day). When someone visited the school – be it parents, trades people, etc. someone would be at reception to sell the poppies. I don’t think Lifeboat Day happens any more. It’s left up to each Lifeboat Station to have their own ‘day’. Not quite the same but may be more profitable for those with the enthusiasm and energy.
There will be poppy sellers here in Sydney and, no doubt, around Australia. A day worth remembering. As you know, though, ANZAC Day garners greater attention when we raid all the blooming rosemary plants!
Great post! Beautifully said!
Question: I get that the US wanted to recognize and honor those who lived by creating Veterans’ Day, but why did they do it on 11 Nov and then create Memorial Day to honor those who died at the end of May. If they’d kept 11 Nov for the fallen and May for the Veterans, then all the allies would be honoring the fallen on 11 Nov…. maybe you have a logical explanation?
Growing up in the 70s, it was still easy to get a poppy in NY. My father always bought them for us. They became more difficult to find in the late 80s. But they are everywhere in England.
Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day in the US by act of Congress in 1956. Memorial Day at that point wasn’t directed toward service members specifically. It was still a day of remembering specifically WWI, expanded to WWII and the Korean War. It wasn’t till after the Viet Nam War and the US general population got over it’s general dislike of all things military that Memorial Day expanded.
A good and timely word. Thanks
Amen
Beautiful. And perfect.
Amen.
Well said, Holly.
I was interested to see that the road leading south from Ottawa to the Ogdensburg Bridge over the St Lawrence River, which marks the border, has been named the Veterans’ Memorial Highway. There are poppy emblems on the road signs.
Amen. Great message. All who have served or are serving still should be remembered.
This is beautiful. Sharing this one widely. Thank you. The closing paragraph is my favorite!
Beautiful. Thank you.
My grandfather, a WWI veteran himself, had a brother who was a pilot in that war. Very few of those pilots came home. My great uncle was not one of the ones who did.