The American Legion adopted the memorial poppy as a national emblem of remembrance in 1920. Afterward, the red poppy became a symbol of remembrance used round the world by veterans organizations.
Following World War I, much of the land of Europe was in total devastation. Within a few years, with fields still lying desolate, wild red poppies bloomed where soldiers had once lived and breathed and died in trenches. The fields became synonymous with the great loss of life in war, and inspired the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae.
From the beginning, paper poppies have been made by U.S. Veterans. Funds generated by the poppy campaign have been and still are, used to support those in need of help, service members & civilians suffering from physical & mental hardships as a result of war.
I invite you, along with the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737, to take a moment and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve, by wearing a poppy. Poppies are available through many veterans groups, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary, and will be seen at Memorial Day ceremonies in your home town.
American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families, both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of $3.1 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
