A Memorial Poppy

Wallpaper Description:

A few days ago, I discovered a surprise flower in our backyard. Somehow, a poppy plant had taken root and grown there. One poppy flower bloomed. I took several photos of it in the next two days. It's a good thing I did. The poppy dropped it's petals three days later, due to warm weather.

I am uploading this poppy flower wallpaper in honor of Memorial Day which falls on May 30th this year in the USA. My backyard poppy had perfect timing!

Have a safe, happy, and thoughtful Memorial Day, everyone.

CollieSmile

PS. Memorial Day is far more than just an American Holiday. Lt. Col John McCrae, who wrote the poem below, was a Canadian. He wrote it when a good friend lost his life in a 1915 World War I battle. His friend was buried in Flanders Field Cemetery in Waregem, Belgium.

Thanks to this poem, the poppy has become one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in battle. Most, if not all countries worldwide each have their own special day to remember those who have given their lives fighting for their country.

In Flanders Fields
Lt. Col. John McCrae 1872 - 1918

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.