In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row.
From the WWI poem “In Flanders Field”, written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines in 1915.
On May 13, 1938, a Congressional Act was approved declaring November 11 a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day. On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during WWI.
By the 1950s, millions of Americans had served in World War Two and in the Korean War. So, in an attempt to be more inclusive and honor this younger generation of veterans’ service, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954.
This Friday, November 11, we have the opportunity to honor all veterans and rededicate ourselves to the cause of world peace as we consider those white crosses strewn across fields of red poppies years ago in France and Belgium.
Affirmation: I remember!
Coaching questions: Who will you think of and honor on this Veteran’s Day? What will you do to work towards world peace?
Remember—
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.
Life after losing a mother 