Nonfiction Monday

For Nonfiction Monday  --  "The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and her tribute to veterans" by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh with paintings by Layne Johnson.

 

Georgia schoolteacher Moina Michael knew she had to do something to support the young men being sent into combat during World War I. She rolled bandages, knitted socks, provided books and food. She wanted to do more, but what? The answer came to her in the words of a poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae which begins:

"In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,"

Walsh tells the story of how that inspiration became Moina Michaels crusade to show support for the troops both past and present by wearing a red poppy. Walsh informs her work with interviews and references to Michael's book "TheMiracle Flower."

Johnson's paintings convey just the right tone for this thoughtful and inspiring story.

Read about the History of Memorial Day ,

Moina Michael

and the Memorial Day Poppy.

Find her poem: We Shall Keep the Faith

which she wrote as a response to In Flanders Field.

Read In Flanders Field, here.

Enjoy the day and remember!