Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because people decorated the gravesites of those who died during the Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to include all the women and men who died during military service.
The poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day due to Moina Michael’s Poem “In Flanders Fields” (1915).
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.
Attending parades, visiting military gravesites, or decorating with flags are traditional ways to remember those who died serving our country.
Check out this website to learn more about Memorial Day:
http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/
Whoever you are…wherever you are…take a few minutes today to PLAY! Do something that makes you happy! Do something that makes you glad to be alive! And, please, take a few minutes today to remember all the brave men and women who died serving the United States Military so that we could be free and happy today!!!