Red Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

On this Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, I am posting the beautiful Red Corn Poppy. This flower is the symbol of the American Veteran.

Common names of this plant are Field Poppy, Flanders Poppy and Red Weed and it blooms from early summer into the fall. The leaves of this plant are toxic and livestock will not graze on it.
The beautiful flowers contain traces of opium and morphine. They not only grow in Texas but other parts of the world as well.

The name Flanders Poppy originated from World War I as a reference to the fallen soldiers in Flanders Fields in western Belgium. During World War I the fields were blasted with artillery and once the soil was disturbed, beautiful fields of red poppies appeared. Having a shortage of medical supplies, these flowers were given to soldiers to ease pain. Those who were severely injured were given large doses to end their pain and suffering.

The most famous war poem ever written was about the red poppies of Flanders Fields. It was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrea who had just witnessed the death of his best friend the day before. He wrote it on piece of scrap paper and later threw it away. A fellow soldier found it and later had it published.

"Flanders Fields"

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.

We are the Dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets 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 Field.
....................................Lt. Col. John McCrea

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings: and they that are with HIM are called and chosen, and faithful."
Revelation 17:14 KJV

Freedom is NOT free. Pray for our military and their families on this Memorial Day and take a moment to remember the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our great country free.