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Poppies?

After reading this op-ed from the Telegraph (thanks to Prof. Volokh), I remembered that this is the first 11 November in a long while that I've not bought a little paper poppy for a veteran's organisation. I never wore them (I was never sure of the propriety of wearing a poppy, since the veterans in this case weren't mine, and I couldn't find a reference) but I generally bought one anyway.

Oddly, I've not seen anyplace around here that sells them, and I can't remember if it's an American tradition or not. (Heck, I've not been to the grocery store in ages, so this may be my fault.) It's odd what one seems to miss when one moves.

Have a good veteran's day, everyone.

Comments

I think it's a British tradition, perhaps? There's a poem that mentions poppies, don't know the author: Remembrance Day 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.
It's a Commonwealth tradition. The poem was written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. November 11 was originally celebrated in the UK and other Commonwealth countries as Armistice Day. After WWII, the UK proposed changing the name to Rememberance Day to honor the dead and veterans of both world wars. Steve
Up here in canada, we donate a quarter to the leigon and get a little poppy pin.This year about two thirds of the kids in my high school wore them. We also have a two minute moment of silence at 11 o clock.

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