Memorial Day has been observed since the end of the Civil War, undergoing some changes along the way. It was known as Decoration Day for a good part of its existence, but the name was changed to Memorial Day when it was made a national holiday in 1971. After World War I, a poem was written by a soldier recounting his experiences in battle. In Flanders Fields hauntingly spoke of the red poppies growing among the soldier’s graves.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row…”

And while the red poppy has enjoyed many years as an official emblem of the holiday, they are not given out as fresh flowers. If you would like to send flowers to the loved ones of someone who is deceased – or deliver an appropriate floral display to a grave site – you can trust the expert designers at Marco Island Florist Home & Gifts to create something patriotic and poignant.

The red, white and blue fields of the American flag each have a meaning, and that meaning transcends to flowers. For instance, the color red was chosen because it represents courage and passion. Popular red flowers for Memorial Day floral designs include roses and carnations. The color white signifies purity of heart, and signals hope – and appropriate white flowers include roses, lilies, mums, and daisies. Finally, the color blue represents steadfast loyalty, and can be expressed florally with blue hydrangea, iris, or delphinium.

Did You Know? Many people think that Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day are essentially the same holiday. However, Veteran’s Day is more focused on all veterans, especially on honoring those living; while Memorial Day is meant to remember the fallen.

Whethe you are looking to place a wreath, cross, urn or cone on the grave site, or are sending a floral bouquet to someone left behind, you can be sure that the team at Marco Island Florist Home & Gifts will treat your order with the respect and gratitude it deserves.