63° and Patchy rain nearby
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by Jane Stahl
When the poppies bloomed in Mary Lou Haddad's garden, she was sure to let me know. She loved the delicate, tissue-paper petals on slender stems--bright orange among deep green foliage.
I recall sending her a photo of some I spied during a walk with Ginger to let her know the bright blooms would always remind me of her.
Poppies have appeared in Studio B's exhibits over the years. Artist Joe Hoover captured them on a window project for a streetscape celebration.
. Artist George Yoder captured a field of them.
Artist Susan Grabert created a background pattern of poppies for her zebra.
And I'll always associate them with Elmira Mauger, the first woman Citizen of the Year, who offered them each Memorial Day during the annual parade. My mother always gave my brother and me $1 for the donations Elmira sought for the Americana Legion whenever she passed the house...
...because, of course, poppies are the symbol of war remembrance dedicated to soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.
The connection began with the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician and solder who described the blood red poppies growing among the graves of soldiers in Flanders, Belgium, a region heavily impacted by WWI. Poppies have found international recognition as a symbol of the sacrifice war demands.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
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.
More News from Boyertown
- Encore Article: Memorial Day Memories Memorial Day brings memories of family traditions and gratitude for the bravery of those who paid with their lives for the freedoms to enjoy them.
- Philosophizing About Food With Francine: Summer Fruit Clafoutis Steeped in French tradition, Francine Black’s rustic clafoutis proves the sweetest desserts sometimes come with a little adventure.
