The peace sign was designed by Gerald Horton in 1958 to serve as a symbol for the British campaign for nuclear disarmament. The design was inspired by naval semaphore code, which is used traditionally by seafarers who use flags held in different positions to communicate across distances, such as between two ships at sea.

Across the world, the threat and fear of nuclear disasters prompted the popularity of the peace sign and, over time, this symbol became the international sign for nuclear disarmament and, more importantly, world peace.

In the United States, there were additional tensions brought on by the Vietnam war, as well as the fight for civil and women’s rights. Anti-war, civil rights, and social change activists adopted the peace sign as a signal that this progressive revolution was going to take place...but in a peaceful manner.

It should be added (not to politicize) that the most unfortunate consequence of this movement was the adverse effect it had on the true and only heroes of a failed war, the Vietnam veterans (men and women) and all those who in one way or another served us and our country in an unwanted and tragic war. On the one hand, after their return home to the United States, these young Vietnam veterans were rejected and criticized by those who had advocated for the war, but who then unfairly blamed them for the failure of the war. On the other hand, they were blamed, rejected, and humiliated for the perceived atrocities of the war. Instead of being welcomed home after fighting for our freedom, they were caught in the middle of these conflicting approaches to the attainment of peace and social change. Other than supporting the efforts of our military and civil servants, the only thing we can hope for is that something like this never happens again.

In time, the peace sign became less visible as did the flower children of the world. Throughout the decades that followed, the peace sign enjoyed multiple renaissances from other causes as it still remains the most notable and recognizable symbol ever created. It has always played a role in world fashion and art but, more than all else, it remains a constant, concise, and poignant reminder to give peace a chance.

The fascinating story of roses likely began in Asia more than 5,000 years ago and continued as roses made their way to America around 1700 A.D. Today there are hundreds of species of roses and thousands of cultivated varieties as a result of breeding, hybridization, and grafting.

Even though the color spectrum of roses is wide and varied, brilliant red and pure white roses have always been the most popular. The primary colors have adopted distinct meanings and have become symbolic of a wide spectrum of human feelings and emotions. The red rose has long been considered a symbol of enduring passion, love, and romance, while the white rose is considered to be symbolic of innocence, humility, and purity. It often serves as a reminder of the beginning of life, new beginnings, and the end of life.

Roses cover the earth with their beauty. It’s doubtful that roses haven’t been a part of your life at some point. If romance, success, failure, or grief have touched you, there is a good chance roses have been there with you. Personally, I’ve been an avid fan of roses and all flowers since I was a child. I can’t imagine how drab the world would be without flowers and their magnificent color and beauty.

Having said that, I’ve grown weary of trying to force real flowers into vases for indoor viewing after having ended their stay in their natural environment where they were thriving and, in essence, offering them only an additional 7 to 10 days of life and beauty before depositing them in the trash. Cut real flowers have become increasingly expensive and require set-up, proper care (with water and food), and clean-up, while providing a very limited viewing experience.

As a result, in recent years, I have become an enthusiast of all the advantages and beauty that artificial floral arrangements can offer. The vast array of highly improved silk, cloth, and paper flower offerings combined with a perfectly chosen vase to enhance the color experience, can brighten and complement any room in your home or place of business for years instead of days. You can enjoy it for as long as you want or you can have multiple offerings to change as you wish.

The use of artificial flowers and greenery provide a sustainable, long-lasting, low-maintenance visual experience, and can add beauty and a sense of calm to any space.

Most importantly, whether treating yourself or needing a unique and meaningful gift for a loved one, friend, teacher, service or business associate, why not step away from the usual run-of-the-mill choices and get something that will long be cherished and remembered.