Memorial Day is here, and MLB fans can strap in and get ready for a full day of baseball. With many baseball fans and the American public at large having the day off work, fans are rewarded with a boatload of day baseball and then games that will last well into the night. It's a great day to turn on some action on the diamond and relax. At the same time, fans watching baseball on the holiday might notice players wearing a red or pink flower patch on their jerseys.
That patch, of course, isn't always there. It's an addition to the normal patches that are on jerseys and the flower with the message "Lest We Forget" obviously isn't for a sponsor either. Yet, that had many baseball fans asking what the patch actually means.
As is typical, the MLB has various festivities and symbols planned to honor those who have lost their lives serving in the armed forces.
Why are MLB players wearing red flowers on jerseys today?
MLB players are wearing red flowers on their jerseys today for Memorial Day. Memorial Day, which is on Monday, May 26, is an American holiday commemorating American military personnel who were killed while serving.
Specifically, the red flowers are poppy flowers.
In previous years, the flowers had a green leaf as well as an inscription with a black ribbon across. This year, the leaf is gone but the inscription remains on top of the red poppy flower.
What do red flowers on MLB jerseys say?
Inscribed on the red poppy flower patch on MLB jerseys for Memorial Day are the words “Lest We Forget.”
Here’s a closer look:
The phrase is a common one used in English-speaking countries commemorating sacrifices made in war times. In particular, the phrase is often used in regard to the sacrifices of the greatest magnitude, inscribed on tombstones and other areas that nod to those who lost their lives in combat.
Why did MLB game stop? What is MLB planning for Memorial Day commemoration festivities?
At or around 3:00 p.m. local time, MLB clubs are participating in the National Moment of Remembrance. Games or pregame warmups will be paused at the umpire’s discretion to participate in a moment of silence.
According to the MLB, the effort has three purposes:
“This special nationwide effort was created to: (1) recognize the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country; (2) provide an opportunity to offer a unified expression of gratitude; and (3) help younger Americans understand the significance of Memorial Day.”
Today, we remember those who have served, in particular those who are no longer with us.
What other holidays does MLB commemorate with jersey patches, accents?
Major League Baseball always takes special care with honoring and commemorating various holidays like Memorial Day. Recently, fans probably noticed pink accents on jerseys and hats on the second Sunday in May to honor Mothers' Day. Players will also have camo accents on jerseys for Armed Forces Day, stars and stripes on their uniforms for July 4, and several others throughout the season that fans will be able to see. It's a cool thing that MLB does in order to make these holidays feel recognized on the diamond at the highest level of the sport.