On this very special day, I send greetings and thanks to each and every Veteran and their family because freedom is not free. 🇺🇸
If you have ever wondered about the history behind the beautiful red poppy, take a moment and check out my blogging friend, Denzil’s, post that answers all the questions behind the poppy being a symbol of today – Discovering Belgium.
I loved reading Denzil’s post for the same reason you recommended it – answers to questions I’ve had for years. There is another beautiful poem there that I wish was better known, too.
Interesting how we always go to war with such gusto – then years later reflect on it as an “unnecessary” or “unfortunate” decision.
God bless all our veterans, both living and deceased.
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Thanks so much for adding a link to my article on the poppies Judy!
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Thank you for marking this day in such a beautiful way, Judy.
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McCrae’s poem has held a special place in my life since childhood – hearing it read aloud at (U.K. Version of) Veterans Day, “Remembrance Day.” One of my grandfathers died in Brit forces in WWI, the other was badly injured, among the millions…
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Thanks, Judy. Just yesterday one of our newspapers had a great story about the homestead of John McCrae. The good doctor-poet lived in a quite simple stone house in Guelph, about an hour from Toronto, and poppies bloom in front of the white fence every year. Volunteers also sell poppy seeds to raise funds to maintain the property.
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Thank you so much for adding this information. I love the idea that they sell the poppy seeds as a fund raiser. 🙂
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My s-i-l landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and was later in the Pacific as well. Our visit some years ago to Normandy was a sober reflection on family as well as on war. I have to admit that it was quite nice to be somewhere where the US is remembered in a good way for what we did to help win that war, even at a horrific cost. There are some wars that must be fought and I will always honor those who fight them to keep so many free.
Lovely tribute, Judy.
janet
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What a wonderful tribute Judy. Beautifully done. Denzil’s post was very informative. I add my thanks to all veterans, living and deceased, and their families for their sacrifice.
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This poem always makes me cry. Always.
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Good post. Always think of my dad and my older brother on this day.
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Beautiful post Judy – I’d not seen the poem which is such a heartbreaker. Would that there were never a need for another war.
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Thanks for the post Judy, the poem is very poignant, and a reminder of the powerful symbol of the poppy every year.
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Beautiful post… beautiful poem.
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I remember when the bright red paper poppies were sold and everyone wore one, including me, even though, as a child, I was unclear about the meaning. But, as with so many things in childhood, the symbol implanted itself and grew meaning. Thank you for the beautiful presentation.
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Dear Judy, happy belated Veteran Day!
I love this poetry, have a nice day!
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Thank you, Judy for the shout out to all veterans. You are so right, freedom is not free. Best to you as always!
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I am off to check out your link 🙂 My son and vet friends celebrated together at a local restaurant who set a space aside for them. They presented the owner with a flag in a box as a thank-you 🙂
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What a wonderful gift to receive. Nice one. 🙂
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Beautiful post Judy and a wonderful tribute to veterans. There is a cost to freedom, sad that too many don’t understand it is not free.
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Lovely post, Judy and a great link 🙂
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