“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.”
In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with this poem and began the idea of wearing red poppies for Memorial Day.
Today is a day of remembrance of our fallen soldiers – a day to honor their sacrifice and their memory. Today in Bristow, local Boy Scout Troop 157, the American Legion, the V.F.W, Bugles Across America and Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home join up to bring us the Bristow Memorial Day Service. The service will begin at the Bristow City Cemetery at 11:00am with the BSA Troop 157 posting of Colors.
Charles Stark, American Legion Commander District 4-A will do the opening remarks, followed by the Invocation from Chaplain Charles Battenfield.
A Moment of Silence will be observed for M.I.A. and P.O.W.
Ralph Barnett, V.F.W. Commander, will introduce officers, guests, Blue Star and Gold Star mothers in attendance.
Willard F. Parish will deliver the Memorial Day Address.
Sheila Davis Pollard and Bugles Across America will perform the Taps & Wreath Ceremony, followed by a benediction by Chaplain Battenfield.
Hutchins Maples Matherly will be providing Hamburgers and Hot Dogs for those in attendance.
Please join your neighbors, fellow veterans and their families in thanking and remembering those who gave the final measure of service to our country.
To learn more about the beginnings of Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) in the post Civil War days and the significance of the Red Poppies, CLICK HERE.
