Landscapes of Remembrance

"Poppies and Landscapes of War" elicited a note from an old friend of mine that I would like to share. He comments about poppies and the Memorial Day parade in his town.

"Thanks for your fine article about the poppy and its connection to our veterans. I believe that until recently, the lapel poppy was only offered on Veterans Day, November 11th. This past Saturday, the 27th, I bought my poppy from a veteran who was on the street in downtown Carrollton (OH). In our Memorial Day parade here in Hudson (OH), we had a unit featuring "poppy girls"-young girls who were reminding parade watchers to get their poppies in honor of our veterans. I am sure that this was the first time we have had such a "float" in our parade. Warmest regards, and yes, even today I am wearing my poppy in the buttonhole on my summer jacket"