As the wife of a Vietnam Veteran, I would like to thank PF for starting this thread and for all the kind words from everyone else who has posted and who will post. Unless you have served, or are related to someone who has served, you really don't know what these men and women have given in order for us to have the freedoms we enjoy today.
But why is it that all the government and bank employees get the day off work, but the veterans whom the day is supposed to be honoring, all have to work???? Go Figure!!
Steph,
As for the poppies here in the U.S., on May 23 every year members of the American Legion accept donations (usually at street corners or intersections) and in return give a paper poppy to the giver. This is close to our Memorial Day, which falls at the end of May. May 23 is Poppy Day. (At least this was the case in and around Detroit.) Here is a link I just found that will give you some idea of the celebrations and memorials held here this year.
http://www.appc1.va.gov/vetsday/ I hope you find it very informative.
Here in Branson, we had the second largest gathering of veterans in the U.S. this year. The Branson, Missouri area is very mindful of our veterans, they are accorded great respect here. We have a Veterans Memorial Museum here that is dedicated to the veterans of conflicts of the 20th century. No doubt they will be including the veterans of the current war too. If anyone is interested they have a website
http://www.veteransmemorialbranson.com . I believe retired military receive a discount on their admission.
Thanks again PF, not only for starting this thread, but for the service you redered as a member of the U. S. Army. Thank you to all the rest of Pixie's military veterans!!!