What Flowers Are Used for Memorial Day?
Red poppies (Papaver)
Peonies (Paeonia)
Gladiola (Gladiolus)
Forget Me Nots (Myosotis)
Red Roses or Carnations
Gerbera Daisies
White Flowers
Blue Flowers
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. McCraeâs poem, In Flanders Field, was inspired by McCraeâs 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 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 Cemetary 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.
FAQ
What day is Memorial Day?
In 2021, Memorial Day is Monday, May 31st.
Is Memorial Day the same every year?
Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. The date may vary, but like Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, Memorial Day will always be on a Monday.
What shouldnât you do on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is different from other holidays. Itâs not a festive day, but rather a day of sincere remembrance. With this in mind, try to avoid a few things on Memorial Day.
Donât wish someone a âhappy Memorial Dayâ. Memorial Day is not a birthday or Christmas. Itâs a day to honor those who have lost their lives in war.
Donât thank active soldiers because its Memorial Day. Memorial Day doesnât honor active soldiers or veterans (thatâs what Veteranâs Day is for). Memorial Day recognizes those who have passed away.
Donât forget to show respect. Many people do host BBQs or other events on Memorial Day. If you attend one of those gatherings, make sure to show respect. There can never be too much kindness.
Is Memorial Day is a big shopping day?
Memorial Day is a bit like Labor Day. Itâs a holiday that symbolizes a change of season. Many businesses hold Memorial Day sales to kick off the summer shopping season.