Advertisement
Letter: In memory of Flanders Fields: Hands on heart
Op-Ed · May 25, 2017


May is a special month in many ways. We celebrate Mothers’ Day, graduations and Memorial Day.


One thinks of poppies when they think of Memorial Day, the poppies of Flanders Fields. At the end of World War I, the poem was written by Lt. Col. John McCrae in 1915 after witnessing the death of his friend, a fellow soldier.

The American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood sacrificed by troops in wartime.

It begins, “In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row,” referring to the poppies that sprang over parts of Belgium and France.

Memorial Day will once again be observed in a special and honorable way by the West Branch American Legion Chauncey Butler Post 514. They will begin the day with services in Memorial Park downtown, then proceed to the cemetery.

The many, many United States flags waving in the breezes, the prayers and words of the speakers and the music ending in Taps will surely bring a tear to your eye and you will feel a pride that only those who love our country and honor those fallen soldiers, sailors and Marines and all other services.

Will you be there to witness this service and honor those who “all gave some, and some who gave all”?

Immediately following the services at the cemetery, proceed to the high school. The program begins with the high school band playing The Star Spangled Banner. We are so proud of the members of the band. Their mothers and fathers are missing the wonderful music their children provide if they just drop them off and pick them up after it is over. Hats off guys, and hand on your heart as you join in singing.

There will be a short program with a guest speaker and then the Armed Forces Medley on Parade played by the band, and the veterans from the different branches will stand as their branch is honored. The applause will send chills up your arms and tears in your eyes as we applaud them all.

How wonderful it would be if every man or woman who has served our country could be there to stand and accept our applause and thanks.

We invite them all to share in the program. Every grandfather, grandmother, father or mother and sons and brothers, please come. I am sure the auditorium would be filled if you would let us honor you. Afterward, the Ladies Auxiliary invites you to stop for something to drink and cookies.

Earlier in the week you will see the Auxiliary, bouquets of poppies in hand, greeting you and offering a poppy. It is always a joy to hear some of the stories shared about their experiences when children and how they proudly wear their poppy.

It is sad when someone asks, “What is it?”

If you do not know the meaning of the poppy, we need to be doing a better job.

Maureen McGowan

Legion Auxiliary

Poppy Chairperson