Since World War I, the red poppy has been a symbol of veterans. According to Veterans Today, a Canadian officer named John McCrae drew inspiration from the flower's resilience and crafted the poem "In Flanders Fields." The poppy began to represent the bravery and strength of the fallen soldiers in the British and Canadian militaries. The tradition eventually made its way to America, where the flower is still a reminder of our servicemembers' sacrifices.
The Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Alabama, is using the poppy to unite students and veterans through art. The ESAC has spent months bringing art students and former servicemembers together to craft hundreds of ceramic poppies for an exhibit called "Symbols of Sacrifice: Poppies for Veterans." The display will include 3,000 handmade poppies, each one made by either a student or a veteran.
The "Symbols of Sacrifice: Poppies for Veterans" crafts will go on display Nov.10 and stay up until sunset on Nov. 11, or until all of the ceramic flowers have been purchased, GulfCoastNewsToday.com reported. Each piece will cost $20, or patrons can buy three for $50. The proceeds will benefit veterans events in the area.