Posted by
Old Marine on Tuesday, October 06, 2009 6:57:48 PM
Many years ago as a young boy, I remember The American Legion use to have a "drive" where for $0.25 you could buy a paper "Poppy", it was red and around the "stem" was a Blue,White,Red ribbon. Every year, my Mother would buy 2, one for her and one for me. These Poppys were for Veteran's Day (Rememberance Day in the British Commonwealth). I often wonder, what happened to them.
Why Wear A Poppy
"Please wear a poppy", the lady said.
And held on forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care.
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to face.
A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun.
"Lady", said he, "may I have one?"
When she pinned it on he turned to say, "Why do I wear a poppy today?"
The lady smiled in her wistful way,
And answered, "This is Remembrance Day."
And the poppy there is the symbold for the gallant men who died in war.
And because they did, you and I are free's why we wear a poppy, you see.
I had a boy about your size
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by he learned and grew,
And became a man -- as you will too.
He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile
But he stayed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away,
I still remember his face that day,
When he smiled at me and said "good-bye"
"I'll be back soon, Mom, please don't cry."
"But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do is wait and pray.
His letters told of his terrible fight,
I can see it still in my dreams at night.
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire.
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."
"Till at last, the war was won --
And that's why we wear a poppy, son."
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight,
But your son -- did he come back all right?"
A tear rolled down each faded cheek;
She shook her head, but didn't speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me, you'd have done the same;
For thanks in giving, is oft delayed,
Though our freedom was bought -- and thousands paid!
And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all!
When asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! Remember and give.
Author Unknown.