Veteran’s Day is a very special day for A Creative Touch. Not only is it an opportunity to officially honor our veterans for their service to our country, it is also closely linked to the history of our company. Veteran’s Day is also referred to as Poppy Day  in relation to the poppy’s symbolism of Remembrance.
Poppies owe their association with the holiday to a poem, In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by Canadian military physician John McCrae. After witnessing the death and funeral of a friend, he wrote the poem which refers to the poppies that covered the cemeteries where war casualties were buried in Flanders, Belgium.
The poem (found at the bottom of this post) found its way into the pages of Punch magazine. By 1918 the poem was well known throughout the allied world. Moina Michael, an American woman, wrote these lines in reply.
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies
She then adopted the custom of wearing a red poppy in memory of the sacrifices veterans made in war. A French women, Madame Guerin, visiting the United States, learned of the custom and took it one step further. When she returned to France she decided to make red poppies by hand and sell them to raise money for the benefit of the orphaned and destitute women and children in war torn areas of France. This tradition spread to Canada, The United States and Australia and is still followed today.
Today the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Auxiliary exchange poppies for a donation that benefits disabled and hospitalized veterans.  Poppies make perfect lapel pins for sentimental and patriotic reasons–and they’re beautiful. Be sure to wear a poppy on your lapel today in honor of all of the brave men and women who have served our country!
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.Â
Ever wonder how custom lapel pins are made? You’ll be surprised at all of the work (much of it done by hand!) that goes into making these miniature pieces of wearable art….
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The earliest lapel pins were made as adornment, rather than statements and are difficult to distinguish from pins or brooches. Lapel pins, however, are typically smaller in size than decorative pins and brooches, usually measuring no higher than one inch.
During the American Civil War, lapel pins were introduced to the armed forces. They were worn by a soldier to distinguish which unit he was fighting in, and to encourage a sense of loyalty and camaraderie within the unit.
But by World War I, the significance of the lapel pin had changed. Instead of being given to all soldiers as a way to differentiate units, lapel pins were awarded to select individuals to distinguish them for exemplary service in the field. Using lapel pins as an award for service is still a common practice in all branches of the armed forces today.
Inspired by their military use, politicians and patriotic citizens started wearing pins to show support for their country. Wearing patriotic lapel pins is a global tradition that extends from the United States to China to Russia.
Later, other groups began using lapel pins. Civic organizations, religious groups, fraternities and sororities, for example, often wear membership pins to their meetings and events. Lapel pins are also used by schools, sports teams, charities, and businesses to promote loyalty and rapport. Colored ribbon lapel pins are also a popular way to raise awareness for causes like breast cancer, child abuse and domestic violence.
For more on the history of lapel pins, read this article from ehow.com .
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I love lapel pins because they an unobtrusive and tasteful way to make a statement about your beliefs, affiliations, and values.
These hard-working little metal billboards are one of the most low-cost, yet effective ways to deliver a message. They’re also excellent conversation starters, instant builders of camaraderie, and strong visual messages.
Looking for a reason to wear a lapel pin? I’ve got plenty for you.
You can wear a lapel pin to:
20. Dress Up or Decorate Your Lapel
19. Brag About Receiving Special Employee Recognition or a Prestigious Award
18. Identify Your Membership in a Fraternity or a Sorority
17. Demonstrate Your Affiliation with a Professional Organization
16. Support a Charity or a Cause
15. Cheer for a Sports Team
14. Show Your Holiday Spirit
13. Commemorate an Anniversary
12. Celebrate Your First Parachute Jump, Kayaking Adventure, or Yoga Retreat
11. Show That You’ve Joined a Club
10. Break the Ice at a Networking Event
9. Promote Your Business
8. Create Awareness About Breast Cancer, AIDS, Autism, etc.
7. Prove That You’ve Been to a Museum, the Hard Rock Café, Disneyworld, etc.
6. Encourage Pin Collectors and Traders to Trade with You
5. Promote a Sale, a Special Promotion, or an Upcoming Event
4. Identify Yourself as a Conference or Trade Show Attendee
3. Show Your Loyalty to a Branch of the Military or a Civic Organization
2 Advertise Your Interests, Hobbies, and Beliefs
1. Show Your Patriotism
So what are you waiting for? Give me a call and we’ll help you design your own personal lapel pin billboard today!
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