Memorial Day is often thought of as a day to take off work and hit the beach or a barbecue party with friends. As with many holidays, the meaning behind this national holiday has largely been forgotten. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30th in 1868, The purpose of the day is to remember and honor the members of our military that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Poppies are the traditional flower that is worn or put on fallen soldier’s graves on Memorial Day. This tradition was started by the British after a poem called “In Flanders Field” which told the story of a field where poppies miraculously grew on a field where much blood had been shed during World War I. American Organization, The Veterans of Foreign Wars began making and selling replicas of the British poppies and selling them in 1922. The American Legion Auxillary also chose to adopt the poppy as its Memorial Day symbol in 1924.
There are many other flowers that you can substitute or include with poppies to create a floral tribute to the fallen soldiers in your family. Red roses are perhaps the most popular, but carnations, tulips, chrysanthemums and gerbera daises are other red flowers that are popular choices for the holiday.
Red, white and blue floral arrangements are also very popular arrangements to honor these veterans. There are a wide variety of flowers that can be combined to create stunning memorial arrangements:
- Red, white or blue roses
- Red or white carnations
- Blue delphinium
- Red or White Gerbera daisies
- Dark blue irises
- White alstroemeria
- Tulips
- Chrysanthemums
In 2000, President Bill Clinton established the “National Moment of Remembrance” which takes place at 3 p.m., and is designed to bring the meaning of the day back to the forefront of people’s minds.
Florists across the country like easternfloral.com are prepared to help you create the perfect floral arrangement for your Memorial Day tributes. So this year, don’t forget to wear your poppies and create a stunning arrangement to honor the fallen members of your family.
