First Day Covers
ARE ENVELOPES CONTAINING COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS, APPROPRIATE POSTMARKS &
ARTWORK DEPICTING
THE TOPIC.
"Battle Hymn of the Republic" is 150 years old this month. See the first day cover for Julia Ward Howe at First Day Cover Lessons on Facebook.
Check Out
FDC LESSONS
Re-Designed
Web Page&
Newly Packaged Lessons
Lesson Booklets
include
printed lessons,
and CD of images
U.S. 1607-1820
U.S. 1836-1877
U.S. 1877-1927
U.S. 1929-1991
Texas History
The envelope below was postmarked from the U.S.S. Texas battleship, commemorating the 15th anniversary of Armistice Day. On November 11, 1918 at 11 A.M. the Allies signed an armistice agreement, with Germany to stop the war in Europe, specifically on the Western Front.
Until the end of World War II, the U.S. called November 11, “Armistice Day”, the day to remember and thank those men and women who had fought and died in the Great War. This envelope is not a first day cover. The stamp was issued on Aug. 15, 1933 promoting the NRA. On the stamp is a farmer, businessman, laborer, a woman, and the words, “In a Common Determination.” That attitude will help to overcome the depression, but will it help to maintain the Armistice in 1933 and beyond? In the artwork, the Archangel is prepared to fight with shield and sword, but the sword is pointed down and the shield in inscribed with PAX, or peace. He is standing watch over the military men who are protecting the nation. As you remember those who died in the Great War, read the poem written in 1915 by Canadian Colonel John MacRae.
“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.” |
|
(click to enlarge) |
In 1918 that poem inspired Georgia college professor Moina Belle Michael to “carry the torch” and remember those veterans who had died or been wounded. She immediately bought red poppies at the local store and gave them away to co-workers. Hearing her pledge to help veterans, people made donations for the poppies & her poppy sales began raising money for veterans.
Moina Belle Michael sold poppies every year until she died in 1944. Her stamp was issued in 1948. After WWII, the US began to honor all veterans on the May Memorial Day, and the American Legion, & VFW continued Moina Michael’s Buddy Poppy program. Millions of dollars have been raised for disabled veterans. |
|
(click to enlarge) |
Red poppies are still sold today over the Memorial Day weekend, but why not wear one on November 11 to remember all who died in the Great War and Moina Michael’s vision to help vet
FDCs ARE LITTLE ENVELOPES WITH HUGE MESSAGES
fdc@fdclessons.com www.fdclessons.com
FDC Lessons is spam compliant.
To be removed from this email, simply reply to this email.
Thanks, Kris McIntosh
©fdclessons.com 2011
