As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday.

Purchase a poppy to honor a veteran that has served our country! Poppies will be on display in the main lobby from Monday, May 20, until after Memorial Day. The name of your honored loved one will be displayed with the poppy. The proceeds will benefit the Meadowlark Hills Veterans Group.

Poppies became the iconic flower of Memorial Day through the rise of two poems. First, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae and the reply by Moina Michael with the words, “We cherish too, the Poppy red, That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies, That blood of heroes never dies.”

For many American’s the traditional observance of Memorial Day has faded. To help remind us of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in 2000 which asks that all Americans pause for one minute at 3 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.

I would like to invite all residents, family members and staff to gather around the display of poppies in the main lobby at 3 p.m. Monday, May 27, for a moment of silence and reflection.

A poppy may be purchased for $10 at the Hospitality Desk. The amount may be paid by cash, check or added to your monthly statement. Your poppy may be picked up after Memorial Day, May 27, until Wednesday, May 29.

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, 1915
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.