When reflecting on the lives lost of all those who served our country we often think of the red poppy flower but some may not know the history behind it. Moina Michael, a notable professor in her time had a passion for remembering those who died in service. In response to a popular poem at the time “In Flander’s Fields” which spoke about the red poppy flowers which grew near the battlefields where fighting took place, Moina Michael vowed to always wear a remembrance poppy. She wanted the red poppy to become a national symbol of remembrance and made it her mission to see this through. She decided she would begin to sell her silk poppy lapel pin to raise money for the rehabilitation of war veterans. By the time of her death Moina Micahel raised over $200 million and was honored by the American Legion at the highest award.
On St. Simons Island we are honoring the lives lost with the Rotary Club of St Simons’ 26th Annual Taps at Twilight. The event will take place Monday, May 30th at 6:45 pm at the Neptune Park Bandstand. We will be honoring those who haven fallen in service of our country as well as those who are serving bravely today. General James Livingston, a Georgia native who was awarded the United States’ highest military decoration – the Congressional Medal of Honor – for his heroic actions in 1968 during the Vietnam War, will deliver the Memorial Day address. During this remembrance ceremony you will experience pageantry of flags, patriotic music, posting and retiring of the colors, and “Taps” played by dueling trumpets. The Rotary Club of St. Simons is extended this event to everyone free of charge as a gift to the community. All you need to bring is your chair!
Hodnett Cooper would like to thank all the men and women who have laid down their life for our country and its people. Our simple appreciation will never be enough to compensate for the lives lost and the families left behind. We are forever grateful to thee! We hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.