There are just two weeks until the Memorial Day celebration in the US. Memorial Day was once known by the more descriptive name Decoration Day - it became a national tradition following the Civil War and was a day when families of those who died in the war would decorate the graves of those they'd lost.
Another tradition that has grown out of the annual celebration of Memorial Day is the wearing of a red poppy flower on the lapel as a 'flower of rememberance'. According to the Veteran's Administration, the poppy was first recognized as a symbol of remembrance with the publishing of the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. Today, the Department of Veteran's Affairs use artificial poppies made by veterans at VA medical facilities as part of a fundraising effort to provide support for veterans and the families of slain veterans.
Several organizations have emerged with a mission of encouraging traditional observances of Memorial Day, which they believe have been in deline among the American public.
Teleflora has launched a section on our website featuring bouquets for Memorial Day and we encourage all people to observe the reason for the holiday. Whether you choose to reflect in a quiet moment or take your observance further by participating in a community event or visiting the grave of a fallen soldier with flowers and a flag, remember how much a small tribute will mean to those who serve and those who have lost one they love.
