A Crepe-Paper Poppy

I read an editorial today about a campaign to bring back the poppy as a remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America.

Every Memorial day in the fifties, I remember buying a red crepe-paper poppy from the VFW or the American Legion for twenty-five cents and then wearing it at the cemetery ceremonies--attended by most of the town.

The ceremonies included the reading of John McCrae's poem of the horrific WWI carnage at Ypres: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row...." Concluding with the serious charge: "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."

I still hear the sounds of silence, sobs and the shedding of teardrops. Most had lost a close relative or friend in the big war.

I do want to find or make a red poppy to proudly wear tomorrow.