A WORD FOR TODAY, May 26, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, May 26, 2025
“This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:12-16, WEB
The last Monday of May in the United States is set aside as a day to remember those who have died in service to the United States. More people than ever are expected to travel this weekend. The Automobile Club of America has suggested that as many as forty-five million people will go at least fifty miles from home to have fun with family and friends. It is known as the official start to the summer season, and many will travel to the beach, the lake, or the mountains. Some will go to amusement parks or pools. Though this is a weekend for fun, it is also a time for remembrance. At cemeteries throughout the world men and women are being honored for their courage and sacrifice during war. Veteran’s groups will be out in force giving paper poppies to those who pass their way.
The “Buddy Poppy” program helps disabled American Veterans who are paid to make the paper poppies. Donations also support VFW programs that help veterans and the families of fallen service people. The poppies have been used since the program started in 1922, but the idea of the poppies comes from an older poem. Moina Michael was inspired by the 1915 poem “In Flanders Field” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. McCrae is said to have been mourning the loss of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer who was buried with many others in the fields of Flanders. The field was covered with poppies, flowers that leave behind abundant seeds that begin to bloom when the soil is disturbed. So, when the bodies of soldiers were buried in that field, the ground was covered with these bright red flowers, leaving the impression of the blood of the fallen on the hearts of those who were left behind.
The poem “In Flanders Fields” continues to leave a lasting impression on our hearts. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow... Between the crosses, row on row... That mark our place; and in the sky... The larks, still bravely singing, fly... Scarce heard amid the guns below... We are the Dead. Short days ago... We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow... Loved and were loved, and now we lie... In Flanders fields... Take up our quarrel with the foe... To you from failing hands we throw... The torch; be yours to hold it high... If ye break faith with us who die... We shall not sleep, though poppies grow... In Flanders fields.”
Moina Michael was so touched by this poem that she began wearing a poppy in remembrance that same year. She began making and selling the poppies to help servicemen in need. Madam Guerin took the project to France and earned money to help widows and orphans. People in other countries followed suit. By 1922, the VFW was involved, and now you’ll see veterans handing out poppies in front of Wal-Mart or at the mall or on Main Street around Memorial Day. When you do see them, remember they aren’t just trying to help you remember the fallen heroes of our nation. They are helping those who continue to suffer their loss.
For many, Memorial Day is a time for picnics, for gathering with families and friends and for getting started on the summer season. I hope it is also a time when we will think about those who made great sacrifices so that we can live freely and share generously all we have.
And we can take time today to consider the sacrifices we are called to make for the sake of others. Few are called to give their lives, but we are all called to give ourselves and our resources generously. How can you make a difference today? Is there a program you can join to give your time to help others? Is there some need in the world you are drawn to meet? Have you seen something like those poppies in the fields of Flanders that you can use to share God’s grace with the world?
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