There are whole books full of stories written about the Red Poppy and its significance to our veterans today.
Some of you may already have heard this story.
This elderly Veteran was sitting at his table in front of a store on Veterans day when a middle aged lady stopped and picked up a poppy from his table and proceeded to pin the poppy to her left side at the lapel.The old vet asked her if he could place the poppy where it should be pinned. She looked at him rather surprised and said, why certainly. She handed him her poppy and he proceeded to attach the poppy to her right side while telling her why she should place the poppy here.
The poppy should always be placed on the right side positioned at about the 11o'clock position.
He asked, 'Do you know why we use the Poppy as a reminder and symbol of remembrance?' He said; the reason for the colors being Red, Black and Green are, ( as he proceeded to tell her) The red is for the lives of those that didn't come home and who were lost in battle. The Black center represents the mourning of those who didn't have their loved one return from battle. And, the Green, The Green leafs represent the future and the green grass in the fields and the outlook for prosperity and for a better future.
The reason for placing it in the 11 o'clock position was decided after WW-1 ended and the treaty was signed. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month the war was over and the treaty was officially signed. Supposedly ending the war of all wars.
There was concern in the gentlemen's face as he and she stood there with misty eyes and he said: ``I am worried that all of this will soon be lost,my generation is passing on and I'm sad that so many young people will never understand this”.
So, when you have a chance to buy a poppy remember to say “Thanks” and if time permits stop and chat with them about the poppy.
Thank you for all those that served and also for our first responders.
God Bless America.