Veterans Day and Remembrance Day are significant day is a significant day for past, present, and future. Not only are we remembering those Veterans and Soldiers who fought and died in past wars and conflicts, we are also honoring those who serve now. For the future, we are continuing the efforts to resolve conflicts with understanding and peace.
Some people will have the day-off. If this is a non-work day for your family, you may be able to watch or go to an event in your area. There may be a parade or other ceremony. Even though young children are comfortable in a smaller circle of of family and friends, we can help them be aware that they are part of a larger community.
The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh and Layne Johnson is a simple story of the effort of one lady, Moina Belle Michael. A teacher, who supported soldiers is various ways, she did not want them to be forgotten. When she read the poem, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae she added the verse:
And now the Torch and Poppy red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for nought,
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
When the wear ended she convinced many organizations to adopt the poppy as a memorial flower. The sale of red poppies raised millions to support returning Veterans.
Bright, red poppies are pinned onto coats and jackets. They are a visual reminder and kids want to know why we wear them. Wearing poppies shows we are thinking about our Veterans and Soldiers.
Veterans, current members of the armed forces, cadets and children in service groups like Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers march in Remembrance Day parades. In a way, this links past, present, and future. In the US, there are 3 days: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day. But for all of these, there is the message of service and striving for peace. Today, for Veterans Day and Remembrance Day is there a way your family can support serving others and the goal of peace?
