DID YOU KNOW? | The Flanders Field Memorial Poppy
The Flanders Field memorial poppy was first worn as a symbol of remembrance in November 1918 by Miss Mona Belle Michael, an American teacher.
Inspired by the Colonial John McCrae’s battlefront-themed poem, “In Flanders Fields,” Mona made a vow in her poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith” to always wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and to honor those who perished in World War I.
As a result of Mona’s tireless campaigning, the flower has become an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance for war veterans of every era in the United States, England, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH
By Monica Michael, November 1928
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet – to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
Take time out this Memorial Day to remember the more than 640,000 U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Show your support! Click here for your Never Forgotten MMS Ad.
Thanks to our military and their many sacrifices. Have a safe Memorial Day!