Memorial Day with Aster College Park in College Park, MD

Every year Aster College Park is proud to celebrate Memorial Day. Always observed on the last Monday of May; May 27th, 2024; this United States federal holiday is dedicated to honoring and mourning the U.S. military persons who lost their lives in the Armed Forces. 

Did you know that the poppy flower is a symbol of Memorial Day? In 1915, Canadian soldier, John McCrae wrote the now-famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” after seeing poppies scattered throughout the battlefield. In November of 1918, Moina Michael wrote her own poem, inspired by McCrae’s, entitled “We Shall Keep the Faith.” In her poem, she discusses wearing “poppy red” to honor the deceased. With that, it became tradition to wear a single red poppy in remembrance of those who passed. 

Today, poppies are not only a symbol of loss but also of recovery and new life. Be sure to wear a single poppy pin this Memorial Day. Learn more about how you can directly support veterans and their families through VFW’s Buddy Poppy Program. 

While we honor Memorial Day, the 3-day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer. Many people take the opportunity to celebrate and relax with parades, beach visits, and barbeques. Aster College Park welcomes you to spend Memorial Day as a part of our amazing community.