[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 309 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 309

         Supporting the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 3, 2017

  Mr. Carson of Indiana submitted the following resolution; which was 
      referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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                               RESOLUTION


 
         Supporting the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day.

Whereas Poppies are worn and displayed as a symbolic tribute to fallen and 
        future veterans and members of the Armed Forces;
Whereas the use of the poppy symbolically comes from the poem ``In Flanders 
        Fields'', which movingly begins, ``In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, 
        between the crosses, row on row'', referring to the poppies that sprang 
        up in the churned-up earth of newly dug soldiers' graves in parts of 
        Belgium and France following World War I;
Whereas at the end of World War I, the American Legion adopted the poppy as a 
        symbol of freedom and the blood sacrificed by members of the Armed 
        Forces in war;
Whereas the American Legion has long utilized the red poppy as its official 
        flower, symbolizing the blood shed by those who have served in the 
        United States Armed Forces;
Whereas the poppy is worn in England and Canada on Remembrance Day, also known 
        as Armistice Day and Poppy Day, to commemorate members of the armed 
        forces who have died in the line of duty;
Whereas as the United States commemorates the 100th anniversary of its entrance 
        into World War I and the American Legion approaches its 100th 
        anniversary, it is fitting to expand the meaning the poppy and formally 
        recognize its historic symbolism;
Whereas wearing a poppy can unite citizens from across the country who wish to 
        show their patriotism and appreciation for those who serve as members of 
        the United States Armed Forces; and
Whereas the Friday before each Memorial Day is an appropriate day to recognize 
        as ``National Poppy Day'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day; 
        and
            (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors of the 
        United States to join in observing National Poppy Day to honor 
        every member of the Armed Forces who has died in the name of 
        liberty, freedom, and democracy while also showing their 
        support for living veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and 
        their families.
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