Thoughts on Poppies and Veterans Day 2024

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Site Administrator Sue Ottens posted this essay on the Morrison Historical Society Facebook page.  It is reprinted here on Monday, November 11, 2024, by the Editor.

Kindly share this information to those of all ages.

“Ever wonder why Veterans Day is on the 11th and does not change [yearly?  In 1918 in northern France, the Allies and Germany signed an armistice–cease fire agreement–moving toward an end to] World War I.  It was on the 11th month, on the 11th day, on the 11th hour.”

The author stated, “Today, I saw a man selling poppies stop a lady and ask if he could reposition her poppy.  While doing so, he told that lady, she should wear the poppy on her right side.

“The red represents the blood of all those who gave their lives.  The black represents the mourning of those who didn’t have their loved ones return home.  The green leaf represents the grass and crops growing and future prosperity, after the war destroyed so much.  The leaf should be positioned at 11:00 to represent the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month–the time World War I formally ended.

“[The man] was worried that younger generations wouldn’t understand this….His generation wouldn’t be around for much longer to teach them.

“We must remember those from our current wars, too!”