Memorial Day in the US is a day set aside to remember soldiers who lost their lives for their country. While for many, this solemn day of remembrance has come to mean the beginning of summer, a long weekend, sales, and back yard barbecues, we must not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
While talking to my niece on the phone on Sunday, she informed me that I had to make a Memorial Day vase today so off to the garden I went, phone in hand, to search for red, white, and blue flowers. Here's what I came up with:
NOID red rhododendrons from the parking strip.
Inherited Valerian (Valeriana officinalis.)
Kolkwitzia amabilis
Ceanothus branches that had to be cut as they were hanging over the sidewalk.
Props for today's vase include the flag from my father's coffin (both he and Tom's father served in World War Two but were lucky enough to return alive.) and a lit candle, a flame to remember the fallen.
Let us all continue to hope and pray for a day when war will cease.
-Mark Twain
Bravo, Peter. A fine arrangement this week to remember the day. You're fortunate to have such a good choice of flowers. The flag and candle are a nice addition.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous patriotic arrangement, a stylish tribute. The rhododendron is a wonderful deep colour. Fitting props too, as ever.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful tribute, Peter - thanks for sharing it
ReplyDeleteWell done Peter, a beautiful remembrance. It's a challenge to combine red, white, and blue flowers and keep the colors distinct. Your stripes pull it off beautifully.
ReplyDeleteWe can always count on both you and Mark Twain for bon mots. When I lived back east I always had a hard time finding true blue flowers for something patriotic like this. Ceanothus to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful Peter, a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your niece set you to work - that's a gorgeous tribute vase, Peter! Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeletePatriotic, poignant and perfect!
ReplyDeleteThe Twain quote is particularly appropriate. We ordered a flag through our U.S. Senator that flew over the U.S. capitol on our wedding day. So brings back those memories as well. Plus I think it is important for lefties to fly the flag as a reminder that it represents all of us.
ReplyDeleteWow! Beautiful creation.Your right it seems people forget why there is a Memorial day and what it means.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect enthusiastic game plan, a sleek tribute...Wow! Delightful creation.Your right it appears individuals overlook why there is a Memorial day and what it implies...
ReplyDeleteThose dramatic blood red rhodos are very suitable for this occasion. One of my favourite anti war songs is Dylan's Masters of War. It's very bitter.
ReplyDeleteA post and bouquet as beautiful as it is poignant.
ReplyDeleteKolkwitzia flew under my radar until yesterday, when the one at work, in glorious bloom, captured everyone's attention.