Why We Wear Red Poppies

Editor's Note: Navy Commander Stefan Xaudaro gave the keynote address during Memorial Day at the Waitsburg Cemetery. It is reprinted here in its entirety with only minor editing.

G ood morning, I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend. I would like to thank the good people of Waitsburg for inviting me to address this year's ceremony honoring our fallen veterans and especially those who have passed on since last Memorial Day.

Last year, I attended this same ceremony as my father's name was added to the wall here behind me. While there are many grand monuments and events honoring our veterans who served our nation, this local tribute is extremely touching because in some capacity, as a relative or friend, there is a personal connection to one or more of the veterans whose names are etched into this wall and laid here to rest.

I believe that the observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected - but that cannot be said of the town of Waitsburg.

Memorial Day initially known as Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5th, 1868, and was first observed on May 30th 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The tradition of wearing red poppies began in 1915, when inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Miss Moina Michael composed this short but distinct poem;

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.

She conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefi t servicemen in need.

Later, Madame Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms. Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war-orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madame Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later, their buddy Poppy Program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans and continues to this day.

So it is every spring when flowers and trees are in glorious full bloom, the sun again warms our skin and we anticipate the pleasure and travels of summer that we celebrate for one quiet Monday in May the memory of those servicemen who have passed on.

In the United States we have many days that directly or indirectly honor the actions and gallantry of our nation's military members. However, it is Memorial Day above all others carries the greatest significance of sacrifice for our country. We honor both the men and women laid to rest on American soil, in foreign cemeteries in the countries where they fell in battle, in the depths of the seven seas, or those whose physical remains' location is known only to God.

Some may have died in the line of duty and others quietly many years after they last proudly donned the uniform of our country but they are all equally remembered. These men and women either came into service voluntarily or were drafted. For me, I try to visualize these fallen Patriots as they were when on active duty - young, fresh-faced, proudly wearing their uniform and with the same eager anticipation to experience life and see the world. Like our current military members, those young servicemen lived in barracks, in a warships berthing, trenches, or wherever they could find a moment to rest if that was possible in or near a battle.

Their worldly possessions were at best kept in a small trunk or locker near their bed or rack, or when on patrol carried in a rucksack on their backs.

If you ask any veteran who served in a combat situation or in just the routine day-to-day life of a servicemen what was unique and most memorable compared to that of civilian life I am sure the vast majority will say it was the lifelong camaraderie that was developed amongst their fellow shipmates, marines, soldiers or airmen.

This camaraderie was developed by living, working, training and sometimes fighting in close quarters and for days, weeks and months on end.

When in the heat of confl ict or just experiencing the difficulties of day-to-day military life the primary motivation other than staying alive or not getting hurt was and is to have the back of your buddy whom served alongside with you. Because you know they would do the same for you. While patriotic motivation may have been the overlying reason for joining - in combat it was to work together to protect and save each other's butt.

When looking at the national flag of the United States, we see the entire population past and present represented throughout it. The stripes of red and white, white stars on a field of blue to me represent the generations of citizens who have called themselves Americans. But as with any fabric, the strength and durability of the material can only be maintained if the edges are tightly bound with the strongest thread. It is there on the bounded edges of Old Glory where the American serviceman is best symbolized.

For the field of stars and stripes to survive, the flag must withstand the elements of the seasons - wet, frozen, windblown, extreme heat and not diminish in structural integrity lest the rest of the fabric be torn to shreds. It is there that our veterans both deceased and living are represented, locked arm and arm to maintain the integrity and union of our country.

In my years of service I remember this best being demonstrated where in either peacetime operations or combat I would sit there on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier with my engines turning with 30 or more jet aircraft preparing to launch. The conditions were severe - either the extreme 120 degree heat of a Persian Gulf summer or snow flurries while operating in the Northern latitudes.