The Poop on Poppies

Yes, I just used the word poop. There I used it again. I believe the Common Core State Standards would define this use of language as informal. And I am an informal type of gal. With today being Veterans Day, I wanted to share some interesting facts about poppies. Up until last night, I only knew that poppies were worn on Veterans Day to honor our country’s veterans. And I support this tradition wholeheartedly! What I didn’t know is how or why the tradition began. Here’s the poop!

A Canadian military physician named John McCrae wrote a poem titled “In Flanders Fields.” This poem references the poppies that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields in World War I.

An American teacher named Moina Michael, inspired by McCrae’s poem, purchased 25 silk poppies and distributed them to attendees of a YMCA conference being held in New York City. Two days later, at 11 am on November 11, 1918, Armistice was declared and World War I was over.

Moina, who became known as the Poppy Lady, worked effortlessly to have the poppy adopted as a national symbol of remembrance for war veterans. She succeeded two years later. Moina’s inspirational idea of handing out poppies continues today.

So wear a poppy today in honor of our country’s veterans and with the knowledge that a teacher’s inspiration and determination helped create this heartfelt tradition!

Thank you!

Diane

 


One thought on “The Poop on Poppies

  1. I never knew this how great that yet again a teacher was involved. Its too late this year but next year I know I will be using a poppy for a craft on veterans day.

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