Remember the sacrifices, the glory and the freedom. Be honored to watch that Ole Glory flying high. Feel blessed to live in a country that is deemed "The Land of the Free" because of the brave.
God Bless America and Happy Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Trivia:
Originally known as Decoration Day, civilians gathered to lay flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers.
In consequence, Memorial Day has always been celebrated in the month of in May when flowers are in bloom.
New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday in 1873.
Since then, Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May.
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Resemblance which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3pm (according to your time zone) in an act of national unity.
On Memorial Day, the flag should be at half-staff until noon and then raised to top of staff.
The Story Behind a Poppy...
In 1915, a soldier of World War I stands alone in a battlefield destroyed by war and bloodshed. Amongst the anguish and destruction, grows a delicate red flower. A surrounding sea of little red Poppies as he looks around. He later documents this in his journal in the form of a poem. It's not until three years later, a military volunteer reads his poem in a Ladies Home Journal magazine and vows to honor and keep the faith to all who have lost their lives. She directs her efforts on getting the poppy recognized as the symbol of Memorial Day in the United States. Her efforts were finally honored, many years later, when the American Legion adopted the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
Poem Excerpt: "In Flanders' field the poppies blow,
Between the crosses row on row---"
Disabled veterans make the poppies we see today. All donations collected from the poppy programs go toward funding veteran programs.
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,
In Flanders Fields.
Read more: http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#ixzz32JHmXLOr
Read more at http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#4qboiiiTEr8vBQMv.99
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,
In Flanders Fields.
Read more: http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#ixzz32JHmXLOr
Read more at http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#4qboiiiTEr8vBQMv.99
IN FLANDER’S FIELD
by John McCrae
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,
In Flanders Fields.
Read more: http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#ixzz32JHthtzG
Read more at http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/memorial-day-poppy#4qboiiiTEr8vBQMv.99
Newton Parade
Monday, May 26
Check out the rest on the Event Calendar!
