Parsippany Students Create Outdoor Memorial Exhibit

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Ceramics students at Parsippany Hills High School created a public art exhibit to commemorate Memorial Day. Both in-person and remote students collaborated to create the red poppies — symbols of remembrance and sacrifice.

"The red poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance to those who served and sacrificed in our country and thus, we created our own poppy field on the front lawn of the school," said Rachael Krehel, their art teacher.

They wanted to honor the fallen and bring awareness to students about the significance of Memorial Day.

The symbolism behind the red poppy goes back to 19th-century wars in Western Europe. Following the destruction from the wars in the 1800s and then World War I, the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the barren battlefields, growing around the bodies of fallen soldiers.

The poppy came to represent their sacrifices and became a lasting memorial for World War I and future battles.

The township will hold a virtual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday. Read more: Parsippany To Hold Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony

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