Poinsettias, with their contrast of brilliant red against green, are an established part of the color and tradition of the holidays. But many may be unaware that they are named for a real person — Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, honored on this day, the anniversary of his death. He was a U.S. diplomat who developed his lasting legacy and symbol of Christmas from a flower he found while stationed in Mexico in the early 19th century. Poinsett also represented South Carolina in Congress and later served as secretary of war. Americans spend almost $31 billion a year at the nation’s nearly 16,000 nurseries and garden centers on such items as poinsettias. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.