Community is Invited to Participate in Memorial Day Tribute on May 20

Prince William County will host “Poppies for Patriots,” a Memorial Day tribute on Tuesday, May 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Freedom Park War Memorial located at the Prince William County Government Complex in Woodbridge. This event will honor and remember those who gave their lives in military service.  

This year’s tribute will also highlight Sgt. Robert Posey, Jr., a Prince William County resident who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. Posey’s name will be added to the county’s War Memorial and formally acknowledged during the program. 

Following the ceremony, the participants will be invited to write the name of a loved one or someone they know who died in combat, or just a message of support, on a red paper poppy. The poppies will then be displayed on a "poppy wall." The display will be moved indoors to the atrium of the James J. McCoart Administration Building, where people can stop by over the next several days to show their support by adding a name to a poppy throughout Memorial Day. 

The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance after Canadian doctor Lt. Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem “In Flanders Fields” in 1915 during World War I. McCrae was struck by the flowers growing on battlefields amongst soldiers’ graves. An American woman, Moina Michael, was inspired by the poem to write her own and vowed to wear a red poppy every day as a symbol of the sacrifice made by the soldiers and to promote remembrance of those who served in the war. 

Today, red poppies are used to honor and remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. 

“Poppies for Patriots” is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and take a moment to honor and reflect on the lives lost in service to our country. 

For more information, visit pwcva.gov/events.