In Flanders fields the poppies blow

On this Memorial Day, we commemorate the fallen that have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom. Oftentimes it is easy to forget that the blessed, comfortable lives we lead came at a very high price; but this price was one our soldiers stood up and were willing to pay. It is an incredible honor to share their flag and be united by them. Thank you to our Servicemen and women, past, present, and future, for your service.

Red Poppy, Georgia O'Keefe, 1927

Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," the Remembrance Poppy was first used by the American Legion to commemorate fallen American soldiers in World War I. Since that time, they have been adopted across the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in addition to the US as a symbol of loss from war, memorial, and new life.

Below is a excerpt from "In Flanders Fields":

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.

For more details on this tradition, please visit TheGreatWar.Co.UK.