Memorial Day is a special holiday that commemorates those who have died serving in the United States military. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, but has been celebrated as early as the late 1860s as “Decoration Day”. Through the years, Memorial Day traditions have evolved and emblems like the red poppy have become a part of the iconography. The origin of the red poppy’s symbolism is the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae which was published in 1915; reciting the poem has become a tradition in many Memorial Day services.* Veterans’ graves are decorated across America with the iconic red flower.
On Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

