Today I learned....

... The whole story behind the VFW's Buddy Poppy program. In 1915, inspired by the poem, "In Flanders Fields", Moina Michael wrote her own poem:
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.
It is here that we find the origin of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day. Ms. Michael sold red poppies to her friends, donating the money to charities benefiting our military. Madam Guerin, visiting from France, learned of Ms. Michael's poppies, and did the same thing upon her return to France, with the money benefiting war orphans and widows. In 1922, the VFW became the first veteran's organization to officially sell poppies nationwide. Their poppies are made by disabled American veterans, with the proceeds going directly to VFW programs aimed at assisting our disabled veterans. The VFW has tradmarked the name "Buddy Poppy", and ensure that all Buddy Poppies were made by disabled or needy veterans in VA hospitals across the nation.

... On the first Memorial Day, May 30, 1868, approximately 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of more than 20,000 Union AND Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington. No distinction was made between the sides- it was a day of unity, acknowledging the human cost of war to both sides. This point is important to note, considering the fact that the Civil War didn't officially end until May 5, 1868 and it took so long for word to reach the whole country that the last shots were fired a month after the war ended.

... The tradition of placing flags on the graves at Arlington has been carried out by the 3rd US Infantry since the late 1950's. They then patrol the cemetary, 24 hours a day, throughout Memorial Day weekend, making sure the flags remain standing.

... That in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Resolution was passed. At 3PM, EST, all Americans are asked to stop what they are doing for a private moment of reflection.

... That the US flag should be flown at half-mast until noon, and then flow high and proud at the top of the staff for the rest of the day. (To be honest, I knew it was supposed to be lowered, but I wasn't sure about how long or when)


I ask that you honor this day of rememberance, and think about all who have died in the name of our country. It is so much more than just another day off work. I leave you with these words from Francis A. Walker, Confederate Civil War General, educator, and economist:

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.