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.
~Lieutenant Colonel John McRae
Based on this poem, red poppies are often worn on Memorial Day to honor fallen heroes.
Today we visited the National Cemetery of Arizona which was decorated with flags, flags, flags. 
We saw families paying tribute to the memory of their loved ones. 
We saw others–like us–who had come to honor those we did not know, but who had given their lives to preserve our liberties.
Originally we had planned to take a family day trip yesterday, but Silas came down with his first real fever Saturday night. Our doctor thought he might need to be evaluated, but after calling my aunt, we decided to let it run its course and keep a close eye on Baby. I love being related to a pediatrician. Thanks, ANut Shawn! (in case you’re wondering about the name…what started off as a misspelling, has now become a nickname because it fits!)
Our somewhat impromptu cookout turned out to be some of the best steak we’ve ever had. A marinade of Worcestershire sauce and Montreal Steak Seasoning does amazing things–especially to a good cut of meat. Top it with bleu cheese crumbles & sautéed mushrooms & onions. Wow!
After dinner we attended Avondale’s Sunset Memorial Day Ceremony which included the laying of wreaths, a guest speaker from Luke AFB, presentation of a flag by the Blue Star Moms to a local family whose son was killed in action earlier this year, and a candlelight service. As the Remembrance Table was presented, we softly said, “Remember,” each time the bell tolled.
We honor you, service men and women, who have died defending our freedom. We thank you, families of those lost, for your sacrifice.