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
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.