Laurens residents and visitors to Wednesday's Veterans Day program in Little River Park participated in the first-ever Poppy Seed Scattering Ceremony, to bring patches of red into the park in time for Memorial Day.
Poppies are considered symbolic flowers of war-sacrifice and the desire for world peace, so the scattering symbolizes a tribute to the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation.
The program preceding the scattering included a welcome, posting of colors, The National Anthem, invocation, musical salute to the Armed Services, and a Special Reading - Ellie Jones, chair of the Mayor's Youth Council, read John J. Pershing's letter to the troops of February 28, 1919, thanking them for their service in World War I. Today's Veterans Day is a result of the former Armistice Day, commemorating when the guns of WWI fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn provided special remarks and explained the meaning behind the Poppy Seed Scattering Ceremony.
The event-site, Little River Park, has been undergoing extensive renovations; and its official Grand Re-opening will be at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19.
