The red poppy flower has remained a constant symbol of death, life and remembrance since World War I. Serving as a representation of remembrance, the flower encourages us to honor those who have passed away to protect all that we love. The significance of the poppy, as a lasting memorial symbol to the fallen, was realized by John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields.
The flower can remain dormant in the soil for years, but has a remarkable ability to reappear in great numbers. Once World War I was over, the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields. Like the flower, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) serves as a resource to help children of the fallen develop a sense of inner peace.
Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships to children of the fallen as a way to honor their parent’s sacrifice. Davilyn Castro’s dad, Jeffery Mersman, served in the army and was killed in action.
“I plan to work for the military some way to give back for all that the military has done for me,” explained Davilyn. “I would love to be an event planner for homecomings, because even though I’ve never experience that I would love to see families come together after a long journey a part. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know for sure I’m going to make it memorable.”
Spring time often brings a new energy to life, the awareness of a new beginning. Like the poppy flower, stages of grief will come and go. Children of Fallen Patriots strives to be part of the healing process that eventually brings a sense of happiness to surviving military families.