I love flowers and I think you would have known that by now if you’ve been a reader on this blog or if you’ve been following me on Instagram. 🙂 That said, one thing that I look forward to in the springtime is seeing the flowers on our city of Asheville’s highways. This area is located so close to where we live, about half-a-mile away, and they usually plant different flowers every year. So the excitement of what flower you’re going to see for the season is always there.
I shared about these roadside beauties in the past. One time they had sunflowers and zinnias planted and there was also a time that they planted lavenders. This year are these beautiful red poppies. But other than the beauty that they provide, they were also planted to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I.
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of World War I and planting these poppies is part of North Carolina’s project to commemorate the anniversary in collaboration with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Such a beautiful tribute to commemorate the fallen of World War I, the heroes who served and gave their life in duty to their country at a more innocent time when the catchphrase “The war to end all wars” was used to describe the conflict which, in itself, actually held the seeds to the next great clash, World War II.
Honestly, I didn’t know that the red poppy is the official emblem of remembrance of the American Legion until recently when I saw the news about these highway blooms. Actually, it has been used as a symbol to commemorate war dead since World War I. What an amazing part of history!
What prompted the use of the red poppy was the poem In Flanders Field, written by a Canadian officer, John McCrae, after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, and noticed the poppies blooming around the mass graves of soldiers on the battlefields. Unfortunately, McCrae himself became one lying underneath the poppy blooms before the end of the war, never knowing the legacy his poem had created.
These beautiful red poppies can be seen in several counties across North Carolina. So if you ever head to the Tar Heel state and see these beauties on the highways, remember the meaningful reason why they’re there.
That is absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful way to commemorate World War I. Those poppy’s are just out standing. I could sit there all day and watch those flowers.
I think this is just amazing and what a great way to honor those who have fallen serving our company. These photos are just gorgeous.
Poppies are such gorgeous plants. I love their blooms. They are absolutely beautiful.
Poppies are one o my favorite flowers. We have a long stretch of them along one of our highways in town. Such a pretty drive.
Poppies are one of my favorite flowers, so vibrant, bright, and beautiful. Poppies are such an awesome reminder of the brave men and women who served as well.
I have never been lucky to see a poppy field in real life. They are so pretty and would love to visit NC to see them with my own eyes.
I have never in my life seen a poppy field in person. What a great experience for you! It is just stunning! I would love to visit Flanders even if just to see the poppies in person!
This is so beautiful. I also love flowers and I love taking pictures of them.
Wow! I love it. Its great for taking pictures or selfies. It is so beautiful place.
Gorgeous photos! I have always loved poppies and that’s actually what I call my grandfather (Poppy)!!
Wow what a beautiful idea to have an area on the side of the high way for all to see. I love these red poppy flowers and love the idea of the tribute to the fallen soldiers during World War 1. Thanks for sharing the beauty.
Oh I just love this. Not only are the poppies stunningly gorgeous, it is so important to honor the brave men and women who protect us each and every day.
This is a beautiful post and yes, the red poppies are a beautiful tribute. In Flander’s Field is such an amazing poem.
These are some very beautiful flowers. One of my favorites as well. I’ve always loved what they stand for too.
Those flowers are so beautiful. I have been wanting to go out and play with some lens that we got for our cell phone.
I had no idea of the deeper meaning. I would LOVE to find a field full of these. That would be amazing for pics
A very timely post with Memorial Day coming up. You took some great pictures of the poppies! So important for us to remember sacrifices of past eras if anything to avoid repeating their mistakes. In addition to checking out the flower fields hope people will stop by a World War I memorial, there are thousands of them across the country, and pay a moment of respect during this centennial anniversary.
I used to have some poppies in my my garden at our old house. I should have saved some seeds, they are beautiful!
So gorgeous. These poppies remind of the fields in Tuscany. Your pictures are fantastic.
Gorgeous Flowers and field. I would love to grow some poppies in my home to brighten up our home.
These flowers are so pretty! Im not that good with flower names. Thanks for educating me lol