Poppies for Memorial Day

After a winter like many of us on the east coast have had, it’s no wonder we are all a little eager to welcome summer at the gates this Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the season.  Though, with news of fallen soldiers a regular occurrence that all too often fails to stop us in our tracks, I am making a concerted effort to share the meaning of Memorial Day (which I am afraid to admit may be little more than the much-anticipated opening of the pool for my young ones).  

As I researched a bit of the history of the holiday, I came across these beautiful lines of verse by Moina Michael:

This beautiful imagery gives new meaning to those flower laden fields near Pennymeade.  The tradition of the poppy flower is one I have not impressed upon my children in the past, but certainly will this year (it’ll be the perfect complement to their Sailboat Collection pieces!).  I’ve always leaned toward decorating the bicycles and marching in lively parades, but I think this year, we’ll lay some flowers and pause in gratitude to remember those who valiantly sacrificed so that each of us may enjoy a peaceful, sun-soaked day around ponds, among towering oaks, or in the shadows of mountains as we usher in a new season.