Pioneer

Issue date: 6/4/09 Section: Feature

Media Credit: Whitney Ford

The words "wear it proudly" are inscribed on the small white tag that hangs from the stem of the red poppy flowers.

In honor of those who have served and are currently serving in the nations Armed Forces, the small red poppy flowers were traditionally passed out among Veterans on May 21 by Student Programs.

The first nationwide distribution of the poppies began in 1922.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars adopted the poppy as its official memorial flower following the national distribution.

The poppy continues to stand as a symbol of sacrifice and tribute to those who have served and given their lives for this great country.

The poppy tradition originated from the imagery described in a poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae.

McCrae's poem expressed deep grief over the "row on row" of white crosses that lay across the fields of cemeteries marking the numbers of soldiers that had died on Flanders Fields.

The poem spoke of vibrant red flowers that bloomed among the rows of white crosses.

The poem later became a rallying cry for those who fought in World War I.

McCrae's poem struck the hearts of the nation, gathering national support as well as worldwide recognition.

In 1920, with the help of the American Legion, the "Flower of Remembrance" was recognized in countries such as Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

On May 5, 1868, written in General Orders No. 11, signed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, John A. Logan, and Adjutant General N.P. Chipman, Memorial Day was declared a national day of observance.

"It's important to take the time to remember those who have served our country," Danny Priest, Veteran and member of Student Government, said. Priest feels it's important to continue to honor the long time tradition as well.

Michael Lee, retired Technical Sergeant and student at Pierce College, also says that honoring Memorial Day is important and that wearing the poppy flower is an honor.

"For generations many men and women served in the different branches of the military each with their own story," Lee said.

"I think it is important to remember the sacrifice they made for the freedoms we have in America."

Following in his father's footsteps and childhood dreams of becoming a Soldier, Lee joined the Air Force the day after his high school graduation in 1985, at the age of 20.

Lee served in the Air Force as an Electro-Environmental System Specialist.

Lee has served the nation in various countries such as Germany, Bosnia, and Saudi Arabia.

Lee thinks it's important to honor and remember the sacrifice of those who served our great nation.

Without their sacrifice and dedication, our country would not be "the land of the free."

It's because of the brave that this nation can claim to be the land of the free.

The poppy may be small, but within its tiny pedals lie significant meaning.

"If people ask, I tell them. I was proud to serve, I wear the poppy with pride," Lee said.

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