Traditional Memorial Day Flowers

Red poppies are a traditional memorial day flower dating back to the end of World War I. The tradition began with a poem by Canadian Lt. Col John McCrae. McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Field, was inspired by McCrae’s time tending the wounded after the Second Battle of Ypres. The field where so many lost their lives still had poppy clusters. The poem grew popular and so did the red poppy, now a symbol of somber remembrance, sacrifice, and courage.

Memorial Day Bouquets for Veterans

Poppies, sadly, do not survive as well as cut flowers in bouquets. If you want to send a long-lasting bouquet, we have great alternatives. Another traditional flower that symbolizes remembrance is the gladiola, which comes in a variety of colors including red and white. You can also select any flower combination with red, white, and blue or settle on a single color red or white arrangement. We love combinations of blue hydrangeas or irises, with gerbera daisies and white lilies or white carnations.

Decoration Day Flowers

Memorial Day was observed after the Civil War as Decoration Day. It was called Decoration Day because General James Garfield gave a speech and decorated the graves of 20,000 soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with flowers. Peonies were a popular flower for Decoration Day that continue to be used as Memorial Day Flowers because they bloom in May and offer a beautiful symbol of sincerity and honor.