Prince William County is set to host a Memorial Day tribute, “Poppies for Patriots,” on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Freedom Park War Memorial in Woodbridge, located within the Prince William County Government Complex. This gathering aims to honor those who have lost their lives in military service.
A special focus of this year’s tribute will be Sgt. Robert Posey, Jr., a local resident who was killed during the Vietnam War. His name will be added to the county’s War Memorial and formally recognized during the ceremony.
Participants will have the opportunity to write names or messages of support on red paper poppies after the ceremony. These poppies will be displayed on a “poppy wall” that will later be moved indoors to the atrium of the James J. McCoart Administration Building. Visitors can continue adding names throughout Memorial Day.
The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance following World War I when Canadian doctor Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields,” inspired by flowers growing among soldiers’ graves. Moina Michael, an American woman, further popularized the symbol by wearing a red poppy daily to honor soldiers’ sacrifices and promote remembrance.
The event is free and open to all members of the public who wish to pay their respects and reflect on those who served their country.
For more information, visit pwcva.gov/events.
