November 11 - A Canadian salute.

[Hack]

at another site someone asked what a Poppy tin was, I guess it is a bigger symbol to Canadian and the British, and not as widely known in the U.S. so I thought I would share the meaning.

 

To the British and Canadians the poppy is the symbol we use to commemorate our war dead, it stems from a poem written in the field of battle during World War 1 by a Doctor in the Canadian Army.

 

Each year Veterans sell, by donation, Poppies on a pin, to be worn as close to your heart as possible. 100% of the proceeds go to Veterans.

 

The poem is read each year by schoolchildren in school as well as by others over the radio and T.V. it is a stirring piece that never fails to give me goosebumps.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

 

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

 

In Flanders Field, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

[snafu]

Oh I remember those pins. I haven't seen one in a long time.

 

 

the poppy story

[Hack]

Oh I remember those pins. I haven't seen one in a long time.

 

 

the poppy story

 

yep, that is the one, gives me shivers when you post it too Snaff. so much meaning behind it here still.

 

we mint quarters with the poppy on it, done in red.

[Ahhlee]

We have local groups that sell paper poppies on Memorial day and the proceeds go to benefit our Veterans. I have no problem whatsoever donating to such a worthy cause.

[eddo]

very stinkin cool.

[ImWithStupid]

I know the poppy pins. My grandma still makes them for the local Legion.

 

Her late husband, my grandfather was a POW in WWII.

 

I remember her making them since I was a child, and I still see people in my community wearing them.

[Old Salt]

I used to "sell" them when I was active in VFW. Excellent program.