No flower is as widely associated with Veterans Day as the red poppy. In 1915, three years before the of World War I, Dr. John McCrae, a Canadian army surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel wrote a poem describing the pain he felt of seeing long rows of white stone crosses covering a large field. The only contrast to those stark white grave markers were red poppies growing in the field. The poem entitled “In Flanders Fields,” was published in Punch magazine in December of 1915.
On November 11, 1918, all fighting stopped at 11:00 A.M. Six hours earlier, an armistice agreement was signed, and at 11:00, hostilities stopped. The armistice may have marked the official moment when the war ended, but even though combat stopped, the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed on June 28, 1919 made the armistice official.
The first celebration of Armistice Day after the war ended took place on November 11, 1919. From then until 1954, November 11th was an official observance of the agreement that ended World War I. Known as the Great War, World War I was also described as the war to end all wars. No one who lived at that time could imagine another war that would leave as many dead soldiers as World War I.
In 1954, after the end of World War II and the Korean War, President Eisenhower decided to change the name of the federal holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. He believed there should be an annual holiday that celebrated, honored, and showed respect to all who ever fought in any American war.
Throughout the country, communities have their own Veterans Day celebrations or observances. Parades are one of the most popular and common ways that communities show their support to veterans.
For families who lost a loved one in any war, it may be a time to visit their beloved’s grave. It is a time when flowers, wreathes, or other patriotic symbols are placed on or beside veterans’ graves. The president
always places a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The soldier was buried in there on November 11, 1921.
Poppies aren’t readily available, but flowers are still an important symbol of love and appreciation. Patriotic flower arrangements combine the colors of the American flag. The Sacred Duty Spray is a beautiful arrangement that is supported by an easel. It is a beautiful way to pay respects to a deceased veteran by having the easel guard and protect the grace.
The Patriotic Salute combines red, white and blue flowers in an elegant arrangement that is sure to warm your special veteran’s heart. A simple arrangement of red flowers is a lovely and thoughtful way to show your appreciation.