As we move through National Military Appreciation Month which includes Loyalty Day (1st), VE Day (8th), Military Spouse Day (12th), Armed Forces Day (20th), National Maritime Day (22th) and Memorial Day (29th) -- and actually Mother's Day (14th), too -- I invite you to 'pin a poppy on' in remembrance of our lost veterans.

From the Concord Monitor:

The distribution of the bright red memorial flower is one of the oldest and most widely recognized programs of the [American Legion and] Auxiliary. From the battlefields of World War I, weary soldiers brought home the memory of a barren landscape transformed by wild poppies.

To honor their sacrifice, communities and veterans organizations across the nation (and world) kick up fund drives to help our current crop of veterans and their families. A petal or two of history and poetry below the fold in tribute to those who served in The Great War -- and beyond.

Also see the companion piece, Poppy Days: Dates, Drives, and Donations, at ePluribus Media for creative ways to help our veterans and their dependents this month of remembrance.