November 11th is a military holiday that is observed to honor Veterans and those who have died in service, depending on where in the world you are. Veteran’s Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, – Despite the common history, and no matter how you observe, the November 11th holiday has evolved in different ways around the world.
The day of recognition for Veterans of the Great War (World War I) was first proclaimed by President Wilson on November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…". In May 1938, the 11th of November was declared a legal holiday. In the United States, that day was renamed to Veteran's Day in 1954, after a campaign by a member of the public to extend the commemorations to include those who served in World War II and other conflicts.

Why Poppies?
The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. “In Flanders Field” is one of the most famous poems (poem at bottom) about World War I. Flanders Fields is the generic name of the battlefields in an area of Europe near the Belgium/France border. The poem references red poppies. These poppies grew in great numbers in Flanders where war casualties had been buried. The poppy became one of the world’s most recognized memorial symbols for Remembrance Day and for soldiers who have died in conflict. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. Wear a poppy to honor those who have worn our nation's uniform.

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.