Page 3 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition Memorial Day, May 2022

Aerotech News May 27, 2022 3 www.aerotechnews.com
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The Poppy Story
After World War I, the pop- py flourished in Europe. Sci- entists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle fol- lowing the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Le- gion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program
of The American Legion. Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Fam- ily distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the fu- ture of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and
financial needs.
Poppy Day is celebrated in
countries around the world. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Con- gress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as Na- tional Poppy Day.
On May 27, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Courtesy photo
In Flanders Fields
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.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
Courtesy photo
John McCrae was born on Novem- ber 30, 1872. A Canadian doctor and teacher who served in World War I, he is best known for his me- morial poem “In Flanders Fields.” He died on January 28, 1918.
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae
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