Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Take a Break: Make Poppies and Learn about the WWII Vets in Your Community


I’m in the middle of teaching several different groups of students about World War II and how our small town responded to the war effort. Since it’s now May, and Memorial Day is not that far off, it’s a good time to “take a break” with our veterans in mind.

 Learn about WWII veterans who may be in your community. Pay them a visit. Talk to them about their experiences, if they are interested in sharing.

In many parts of the world, a poppy is used to remember veterans. This came about in part because of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields, which dates back to WWI.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago 
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: 
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Make some poppies to share with family and friends this coming Memorial Day.




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