Reflections

In Flanders fields, the poppies blow[a]

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. 

 

In Flanders Field, a poem written in 1915 by Lt, Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Army Medical Corps. This poem was written after the 2nd battle of Ypres in Belgium during the First World War. McCrae looked out onto the fields of Flanders and in the devastation saw little colorful poppies blooming, inspiring him to write this poem. McCrae did not survive the war. 

 

Moina Belle Michael was from Georgia, USA. At the start of WW 1 she was a volunteer in Europe with the YWCA helping soldiers and stranded tourists. A day before the Armistice November 11, 1918, she read McCrae’s poem and was inspired to continue to help veterans after the war ended. 

 

She began crafting little red, silk poppies and selling them to raise money for veterans’ causes. The poppies were made by disabled veterans giving them paid work. Over her lifetime, more than $200 million dollars were raised by the sale of these little flowers.

 

She sought the help of veterans’ groups to spread this poppy tradition to Europe and the British Commonwealth Countries. In 1919 Woodrow Wilson declared Armistice Day a national holiday. After WW2 and the Korean War, Armistice Day was renamed to honor all who have served, not only for those who served in World War 1. The holiday was renamed Veterans Day in the United States and for similar reasons, Remembrance Day in Commonwealth Nations. 

 

In the United States, poppies are often worn on Veterans Day or Memorial Day. In Britain, poppies cover the grounds of churches, synagogues and public places. In France, Armistice Day is recognized with the blue cornflower which reflects the blue in the Flag of France and the blue uniform of the WW 1 French soldier. 

 

Wear your poppy this Sunday with reverence for those who have served. And when we sing our closing hymn, Eternal Father Strong to Save, let us sing it as a prayer for all who have and are now serving our country in the Armed Forces.