National Poppy Day

I received a poppy today outside our local grocery store from an older veteran who was wearing his American Legion cap. It reminded me of how members of American Legion Post #299 used to stand in front of the Raymond Post Office each year, handing out the small fabric poppies. 

As a young kid, I would wait patiently for one of my sisters to help me attach the thin wire to a button on my shirt or to my belt loop, and then go on about my day, excited to be wearing a cheerful little flower. It wasn’t until much later, probably my early teenage years, that I learned the history behind this nearly 100-year-old program and what the poppy symbolizes.  

The following information about National Poppy Day is on the official American Legion website:

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written in December 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D., while he was serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Poppy Day is celebrated around the world. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day^® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day.

On May 28, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation's uniform.

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrea

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.